Ahead of attending the Boao Forum for Asia, David Olsson urges Australian businesses to prioritise resilience and collaboration to thrive in evolving markets. Embracing strategic partnerships and building agile supply chains can help companies to navigate uncertainties and unlock new growth opportunities.
Resilience. Collaboration. These words are everywhere in the business world, but what do they really mean for Australian companies looking to grow in Asia? More importantly, why should business leaders prioritise them now?
These concepts are often treated as abstract ideals rather than business imperatives. But with supply chain disruptions, shifting trade policies and geopolitical uncertainty reshaping global markets, resilience and collaboration are no longer optional – they are essential for survival and long-term success.
The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risk Report found that 84% of surveyed companies feel unprepared for today’s economic uncertainties. This highlights an urgent need for businesses to build agility, partnerships, and strategic foresight. Those that do will not only weather uncertainty but find new avenues for growth.
At a macro level, Australia’s economic future will depend on how well it integrates into regional supply chains, how effectively it adapts to geopolitical changes, and how willing it is to work with both traditional allies and emerging economic partners.
Resilience: more than bouncing back
Resilience is often framed as the ability to recover from crises, but today, it must go further. True resilience means anticipating disruptions, absorbing shocks and pivoting quickly to seize new opportunities.
Australian businesses have already had to demonstrate resilience. Recent trade disputes with China forced exporters to diversify markets, proving that those who adapt quickly can mitigate risk and even emerge stronger. But resilience is not just about crisis management. It’s about long-term strategy – strengthening supply chains, expanding market reach and ensuring businesses can evolve alongside changing global conditions.
The economic shifts ahead are not just about trade or technology; they are about relationships and trust. Regional economic resilience depends on diverse, interconnected supply chains, where businesses and nations work together to strengthen mutual interests. The more deeply Australia integrates with its regional partners in ASEAN and beyond, the stronger its economic position will be.
Collaboration: a competitive advantage across the Indo-Pacific
Collaboration is often associated with working alongside allies, but in today’s interdependent global economy, it extends beyond traditional partnerships. Businesses are partnering with competitors, industry peers, and even nations with complex political relationships to drive innovation and access new markets.
No single company can address global challenges alone. Whether it’s decarbonising industries, advancing AI or securing supply chains, collaboration is the most effective path forward.
This theme was central at Davos 2025 , where global leaders stressed the need for stronger public-private partnerships to build resilience in an unpredictable world. These discussions align closely with those set to take place at the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia (more to come soon!), where economic interdependence and trade cooperation will be in focus.
AI and emerging technologies illustrate why regional collaboration is key. Nations engaged in cross-border partnerships for AI development are gaining a competitive edge, while those adopting isolationist approaches risk stagnation. The same applies to clean energy, financial services, and digital trade – industries where international cooperation fuels faster innovation, broader market access and long-term sustainability.
For Australian businesses, this means rethinking engagement strategies across the Indo-Pacific region. The greatest opportunities won’t come just from direct trade with China but from joint initiatives in third markets – particularly in Southeast Asia, where infrastructure, renewable energy, health services and digital trade are booming. Businesses should also explore models of cooperation with China that support mutual economic benefit while ensuring national interests are protected.
Building a more resilient and collaborative future
Long-term business success depends on both resilience and collaboration. Australian companies must assess supply chain risks, invest in flexible sourcing strategies and foster a culture of innovation that encourages rapid adaptation to changing market conditions.
- Co-investment models offer a pathway. In politically sensitive industries like critical minerals, structured engagement models such as joint ventures (JVs) offer a way to balance investment needs with national security concerns. Rather than outright foreign ownership, co-investment models allow for shared governance while ensuring Australia can scale up its capabilities in industries crucial to the energy transition.
- Local partnerships are key. Collaboration must also extend beyond private enterprise. Partnerships with local businesses, research institutions and regional organisations will be crucial for building sustainable economic relationships. Many Australian businesses already work closely with regional stakeholders, but as competition for influence intensifies, deeper engagement will be required to stay relevant and competitive.
From buzzwords to business strategy
The global business landscape is shifting faster than ever. Trade policies, economic alliances and technological advancements are evolving rapidly, making resilience and collaboration essential for any business looking to thrive in this new economic reality.
Resilience means more than surviving uncertainty – it’s about building businesses that are future-proofed against disruption and positioned for sustainable growth.
Collaboration is no longer just a best practice – it’s a necessity. Businesses that work together unlock new markets, drive innovation and create lasting competitive advantages.
As industry leaders have noted, there should never be a trade-off between short-term profits and long-term sustainability. Businesses that embrace resilience and strategic collaboration will be the ones shaping Australia’s future in the global economy.
In a world that is increasingly fragmented, resilience and collaboration are not just corporate jargon – they are the foundation for lasting success.
