Stay Ahead: Insights from APCO

The Silver Lining to Our Struggles with Online Learning

Jennifer Butte-Dahl, senior director in APCO’s Seattle office, discusses the cultural shifts and opportunities that will transform education and communications:

"The world has changed fundamentally, and we will never fully return to the way things were before. We now know that there is a world of opportunity that we can tap into through our computer screens.

Given the differences in access to these valuable resources, there are tremendous opportunities for philanthropy and corporate investment that support the learning environment of the future and bring the world to our children in new and innovative ways that will capture their imaginations, spark their curiosity and, ultimately, drive their success."

Computer screen
Spotlight on Health: COVID-19 Made the Case for More EU on Health, but will There be any Meaningful Changes?

Christoph Mielke, senior director, and Gregoire Zammit, associate consultant, 
highlight European health initiatives and whether they will drive change:
Cartoon health care professionals wearing masks
"EU ambitions on health, while supported by hard evidence that increased cooperation could benefit all Members, seem to hit their target where COVID-19 is concerned, as demonstrated by the new European Vaccines Strategy, which notably gives a mandate to the Commission to purchase vaccines candidate on behalf of the whole bloc for up to €2.7 billion and aims at adapting the EU regulatory framework to the current crisis situation through increased flexibility.

But other initiatives, such as a recent request for the opinion of an expert panel for a “new framework” on organizing health and social care in the wake of the pandemic, may meet the same fate as the Commission’s last attempt to reform the EU’s approach to health: health technology assessment."
Cyber Crime: Managing the risk that could destroy your business

The abrupt transition to working from home (WFH) following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has opened up multiple risks for businesses big and small. As we come to terms with our altered reality and revert to a blended model of WFH and working from the office (WFO), cyber criminals are set to exploit some of the likely risks.

APCO Worldwide convenes a stellar panel of expert speakers to offer you in-depth insights on how companies can combat cyber risks and the best course of action for leaders in communicating during a cyber crisis. Join this webinar Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 4 pm (UAE). RSVP here.
The New Social Contract

Last week, APCO Worldwide and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce convened a discussion among leaders from tech and policy communities who were asked to envision a New Social Contract between citizens, government and technology for the post-pandemic world. The discussion also unveiled data about how citizens think about technology pre- and post-pandemic. The takeaways from this discussion and a full recording are available here.

Missed our other webinars? You can access all our webinar recordings and other resources at APCO’s Coronavirus Hub.
 

INDIA: BECOMING SELF-RELIANT

APCO colleagues are sharing on-the-ground insights and analysis on the impact of COVID-19 in markets around the world. Today's dispatch from APCO's Mumbai office highlights India's new initiative to drive self-reliance and bring manufacturing industries to the country. For more information, please contact Anusha Sharma.

The coronavirus pandemic forced India to impose a nationwide lockdown for nearly two and a half months since mid-March. The economic disruption caused by the extended lockdown has been massive, forcing countless small businesses to shut down and unemployment to rise substantially. The economy is now starting to slowly open up since the beginning of this month. On May 12, the government announced an overall economic package worth USD 280 billion, 10% of India’s GDP, with emphasis on a Self-Reliant India, or "Atmanirbhar Bharat." Atmanirbhar Bharat is conceptualized as a movement to drive the economy, infrastructure, system, vibrant demography and demand.
 
The Indian government is now working with industry to ramp up domestic production and create supply chains to meet internal demands and avoid future geo-economic shocks. However, this does not mean the economy will be isolationist or inward-looking. In fact, the Indian government is in the process of identifying industries and businesses looking to set up manufacturing operations in India. The idea is to provide such industries with a compatible business environment and robust domestic demand which will aid investments in the country and generate local employment. To support this, the government recently brought in major reforms such as labor reforms, agriculture reforms, allowing private companies in strategic sectors and commercial mining of coal. Furthermore, sectors such as healthcare, agriculture/food processing, education and infrastructure are expected to lend themselves to innovations and widespread participation by the micro, small and medium enterprises and startup ecosystem of the country.

More Tips from Around the Water Cooler

  • What we can learn from people who worked remotely pre-pandemic, Bloomberg
  • Is it safe to fly? Scientists assess coronavirus risks, suggest precautions, USA Today
  • How financial institutions are focusing on cybersecurity post-pandemic, OMFIF (virtual roundtable scheduled for June 23)
  • Returning to work and worried about safety? Here’s what to know, Los Angeles Times

Quotables


“We cannot let the vital and practical work that the WHO does on the ground be overshadowed by questions about the approach of its headquarters in Geneva... The COVID-19 crisis has given democracy a contemporary stage on which to demonstrate its strength.”

   - Marise Payne, Australian Foreign Minister

Unfortunately, the World Health Organization under the leadership of Director-General Tedros (Adhanom Ghebreyesus) only exacerbated the problem by repeatedly ignoring warnings about the severity of the virus... While I join the president in his frustration with the WHO under Tedros' leadership, I think we can affect more change within the organization as a member."

   - Michael McCaul, United States Representative and Chairman of the House GOP China Task Force
The APCO team is working with clients globally to manage this crisis, and we stand ready to support your needs. For more resources from APCO, including our latest research, information on how we can help or to contact us, visit apcoworldwide.com/coronavirus.