Industry – Resources

Powered for Change 2025

Authors: Stephanie Jamison, Rob Hopkin, Lasse Kari
Research lead: Lasse Kari
Published: July 2025

Industrial decarbonization is currently costly, fragmented
and slow. Most projects still follow one-off, bespoke models,
which hinder scalability and compound risk. Accenture’s
research shows 90% of projects lack repeatability, and only
10% benefit from shared teams or infrastructure. The solution?
A multigenerational approach: Shifting to modular, standardized
systems that build learning across deployments. AI and gen AI
can supercharge this by embedding institutional knowledge and
optimizing decisions at scale. With four key levers—resilient
supply chains, stakeholder alignment, talent reinvention and
digital integration—companies can accelerate execution and
capture long-term value in a volatile, net-zero economy. This
collection was created in close collaboration with Accenture’s
Marketing and Communications team.

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Powered for Change 2025

Industrial decarbonization is currently costly, fragmented
and slow. Most projects still follow one-off, bespoke models,
which hinder scalability and compound risk. Accenture’s...

more

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Explore to ore
How data and AI can radically tighten the mineral exploration lifecycle

Authors: Liv Carrol, Dr. Bernd Elser, Sachin Kumar Chaudhary
Research lead: Sachin Kumar Chaudhary
Published: April 2025

Discoveries of new mineral deposits are less frequent, while
exploration timelines have extended significantly. It now takes
about 40% longer, on average, than it did just 15 years ago to
get from discovery to production. As companies seek to
“tighten,” or shorten their exploration lifecycles, artificial
intelligence offers invaluable possibilities to help firms
discover economic deposits faster and at lower cost. This
report identifies three priorities—invest more, become
data-ready and refocus talent and skilling strategies—that
would enable exploration companies to realize the value of AI.

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Explore to ore

Discoveries of new mineral deposits are less frequent, while
exploration timelines have extended significantly. It now takes about 40% longer, on average, than...

more

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The future of demand
Opportunities for chemicals to capture growth

Authors: Dr. Bernd Elser, Serge Lhoste, Sachin Kumar Chaudhary
Research lead: Dr. Karin Walczyk
Published: March 2025

Our research shows that demand for sustainability-related chemical products will grow 4.5x faster than for conventional products. Given changing demand and the fact that price premiums for sustainability-related chemical products may not be shared across the value chain, chemical companies will need to revise how they go to market, from creating new value propositions to applying new business models. We identified three key actions to help companies succeed in this fast- changing landscape: 1) accelerate innovation by reinventing R&D, based on digital, data and AI; 2) develop and communicate a compelling value proposition, including traceability and transparency; 3) build value-chain partnerships.

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The future of demand

Our research shows that demand for sustainability-related chemical products will grow 4.5x faster than for conventional products. Given changing demand and the fact that price premiums for sustainability...

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Power 2 people
5 commitments to support residential
customers in their energy transition

Research lead: Saad Tazi
Published: June 2025

The EU’s residential energy transition remains uneven because of structural barriers like cost, complexity and digital exclusion. A 2024 survey across 12 member states found that while 80% of consumers take actions to reduce their environmental impact, only 5% own an electric vehicle and just 3.3% generate and sell their own electricity. Upfront costs remain the top hurdle. In response, Eurelectric outlines five commitments— ranging from consumer empowerment to demand flexibility— supported by policy reforms and supplier innovation. With two in three consumers open to flexible tariffs, unlocking demand- side engagement could accelerate electrification and lower bills by up to 45%.

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Power 2 people

The EU’s residential energy transition remains uneven because of structural barriers like cost, complexity and digital exclusion. A 2024 survey across 12 member states found that while...

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The future of demand for chemicals

Publisher: CHEManager
Authors: Bernd Elser
Published: March 2025

The chemical industry is seeing a major shift toward sustainability, with demand for sustainability-related chemical products growing 4.5x faster than conventional ones. This trend is driven by consumer preferences and companies across industries aligning their offerings. To capitalize on this opportunity, chemical companies must revise how they go to market, from value propositions to business models.

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The future of demand for chemicals

The chemical industry is seeing a major shift toward sustainability, with demand for sustainability-related chemical products growing...

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From gray to green
How to build a competitive green steel busines

Authors: Timothy Van Audenaerde, Sachin Kumar Chaudhary, Ashish Kumar Gulgulia
Research lead: Ashish Kumar Gulgulia
Published: October 2024

The steel industry is undergoing a major transformation as demand for green steel surges, driven by customer net-zero commitments and regulatory pressure. To compete globally, especially against markets that are heavy on Basic Oxygen Furnaces (BOF), like China and India, manufacturers must master electric arc furnace (EAF) production using scrap metal and renewable energy. Success hinges on modernizing data, AI and operational technologies, reimagining workflows and securing cost-effective, high-quality scrap and clean energy. Competitive advantage will not come from technology adoption alone, but from how effectively companies integrate digital innovation, optimize new processes and engage the broader energy and materials ecosystem.

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From gray to green

The steel industry is undergoing a major transformation as demand for green steel surges, driven by customer net-zero commitments and regulatory pressure. To compete globally, especially against markets that

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The energy provider’s guide to net zero
Managing consumer affordability and an affordable energy system

Authors: Scott Tinkler, Eva Burén, Jim Mazurek
Research lead: Paola Confalonieri
Published: September 2024

The energy sector faces a defining dilemma: $115 trillion in investment is needed to reach net zero by 2050, yet only 46% of consumers are willing or able to pay more . If providers focus solely on affordability, the transition could be delayed by 35 years . Our research showed one in three households have had challenges paying their bill in the last 12 months. Reinvention offers the only way forward. By centering on consumer needs, optimizing through AI and digital platforms and driving ecosystem-wide collaboration, energy providers can balance affordability and speed. Those that act boldly now will lead a clean, resilient and equitable energy future— while restoring trust with the one in three households struggling today.

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The energy provider’s guide to net zero

The energy sector faces a defining dilemma: $115 trillion in investment is needed to reach net zero by 2050, yet only 46% of consumers are willing or able to pay more...

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Reinvention at your convenience​

Authors: Brian Gray, Rushad Chinoy, Maribel Nowak
Research lead: Mohd Arif
Published: October 2024

Fuels and convenience retailers face a critical inflection point. As traditional fuel demand declines, 81% of executives cite shifting consumer expectations as their top challenge. Yet 65% believe that exceptional service will be key to future competitiveness. To stay ahead, retailers must expand value sources beyond fuel, deliver personalized experiences, redefine convenience and build resilient operations powered by AI. Progress remains uneven: only 20% plan to install EV chargers across most locations, and 65% of stores are seen as unprepared for the next decade. Our report highlights the bold, data-led approach to reinvention—through technology integration, hyperlocal formats and employee upskilling.

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Reinvention at your convenience

Fuels and convenience retailers face a critical inflection point. As traditional fuel demand declines, 81% of executives cite shifting consumer...

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Industrial Transformation in ASEAN:
A Cluster-Driven Model for Regional and Global Collaboration

Authors: Stephanie Jamison, Adrian Marcellus, Gim Huay Neo
Published: January 2026

ASEAN’s industrial rise has reached a turning point: a $3.8 trillion economy of more than 670 million people still relies on fossil fuels for nearly 80% of energy, even as industrial demand keeps climbing. This white paper argues that Transitioning Industrial Clusters developed by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Accenture help by concentrating heavy industry, infrastructure and investment in one place. This makes it easier to share renewables, hydrogen, carbon capture and digital systems, cut costs, de-risk projects and align policy with finance. The model already spans 40 clusters in 20 countries and supports potential carbon emission cuts of 877 million tons.

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Industrial Transformation in ASEAN

ASEAN’s industrial rise has reached a turning point: a $3.8 trillion economy of more than 670 million people still relies on fossil...

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Growth and sustainable products with biomass-based chemicals

Authors: Holger Vegelan, Felix Schröder
Research lead: Karin Walczyk
Published: November 2024

Demand for sustainability-related chemical products will increase by about 70% from 2023 to 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 11%, according to previous research by Accenture. To help meet this demand, chemical companies should consider using “biomass” organic waste materials to make low-carbon chemicals. Our latest research shows that chemical companies can capitalize on the promising, sustainability-oriented market by focusing on five key actions: 1) leverage 2G biomass to produce eco-friendly chemicals; 2) invest in platform molecule production to decrease costs; 3) establish remote modular plants in markets near biomass sources; 4) collaborate for sustainable biomass management; and 5) encourage increased recycling rates and invest in recycling capabilities.

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Growth and sustainable products with biomass-based chemicals

Demand for sustainability-related chemical products will increase by about 70% from 2023 to 2028, with...

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Electricity reinvented: How innovation is transforming the future of power systems

Authors: Nikolaus Gamperl, Veeraya Imcharoenkul, Eleonora Putrino, Miguel G. Torreira, Natalia Zabolotnikova
Published: January 2026

Electricity demand is rising faster than overall energy use, yet grids remain too slow, fragmented and exposed to climate and cyber risks. According to this World Economic Forum briefing developed in collaboration with Accenture, the answer is not a single breakthrough but scaled innovation: digital grids, flexible markets and smarter finance. The case is urgent. Electricity use rose 4.3% in 2024 versus 2.2% for total energy demand, and demand could reach 37,800 TWh by 2035, up 40%. With $2.2 trillion now flowing into clean energy, grids, storage and electrification, leaders across the power ecosystem must turn innovation into value.


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Electricity reinvented: How innovation is transforming the future of power systems

Electricity demand is rising faster than overall energy use, yet grids remain too slow

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2024 workforce report

Authors: Energy Workforce & Technology Council, Lasse Kari
Research lead: Lasse Kari
Published: September 2024

The 2024 Energy Workforce & Technology Council report is an update to the 2021 report and highlights slow but steady growth in the US oilfield services sector, with 653,110 jobs as of January. While diversity has improved, especially among ethnic minorities, representation in leadership—particularly for women and technical roles—remains limited. The report emphasizes the need for inclusive recruitment, better retention strategies and broader adoption of flexible work and mentorship programs. Companies are urged to invest in data-driven workforce planning and inclusive culture initiatives. As energy demands evolve, future success will depend on upskilling talent, expanding diversity pipelines and fostering leadership that reflects workforce demographics.

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2024 workforce report

The 2024 Energy Workforce & Technology Council report is an update to the 2021 report and highlights slow but steady growth in the US oilfield services sector...

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The reinvention imperative in the 
chemical industry

Authors: Dr. Bernd Elser, Serge Lhoste, Sachin Kumar Chaudhary
Published: June 2026

Chemical companies face persistent volatility, slowing demand
and structural overcapacity, yet many continue to rely on decades-
old cost-cutting measures that deliver diminishing returns.
Accenture Research modelling of a typical $10 billion chemical
company suggests AI-enabled reinvention could fundamentally
reshape performance: more than 40% of processes could be
automated, augmented or eliminated, while around 40% of
workforce capacity could shift towards higher-value activities.
The opportunity extends beyond efficiency to faster innovation,
better plant performance and more tailored customer solutions,
with potential profit uplift of 60–80%. Capturing that value
requires end-to-end reinvention, CEO ownership

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The reinvention imperative in the chemical industry

Chemical companies face persistent volatility, slowing demand and structural overcapacity, yet many continue to rely on decades- old cost-cutting measures that deliver diminishing returns ...

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Five ways to push progress on the industrial energy transition

Authors: Nicholas Wagner, David Rabley
Published: December 2025

The industrial energy transition has started, but momentum remains uneven as emissions rise, energy costs stay high, demand for low-carbon materials lags and infrastructure falls short. Heavy industries such as steel, cement and chemicals generate nearly 40% of global emissions. Companies could eliminate about half of those emissions with technologies already available, but scaling impact will require stronger policy support, faster infrastructure buildout, lower financing costs and clearer demand signals. The article highlights five priorities: stimulate demand for low-carbon fuels and materials, build the enabling infrastructure, reduce the cost of capital, scale proven solutions while funding next-generation innovation and align policies across regions to unlock predictable investment and execution.

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Five ways to push
progress on the
industrial energy
transition

The industrial energy transition has started, but momentum
remains uneven as emissions rise, energy costs stay high,
demand for low-carbon materials lags and infrastructure falls
short ...

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Reinvent for growth:
The signals shaping media's next chapter

Authors: John Peters, Stuart Green, Giovanni Francesco
(Gianfranco) Sorace, Neeraj S. Sharma, Swati Vyas,
Geoff Pangman
Published: February 2026

The media industry is at an inflection point as AI, fragmenting
audiences and new monetization models upend long-held
assumptions. Yet most traditional media companies are still
reshuffling portfolios and repairing balance sheets rather
than pursuing real reinvention. Drawing on surveys of 6,000
consumers across 10 countries and 300 media executives,
this report argues that five signals now demand action:
fragmentation, shifting engagement patterns, limited AI
ambition, overstated tech readiness and rising transformation
fatigue. The answer is fluidity. Media companies must redesign
around continuous adaptation to unlock new growth.

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Reinvent for growth

The signals shaping media's next chapter ...

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