World events in scenarios

A new premium newsletter entitled NZZ Global Risk is designed to give SMEs a knowledge edge in politically turbulent times that can be crucial to success. After all, most SMEs do not have the resources to systematically deal with geopolitical risks and take them into account in their decisions. This is where NZZ Global Risk comes in, as NZZ Editor-in-Chief Eric Gujer explains in the following interview:

On June 1, the premium newsletter "NZZ Global Risk" will be published for the first time. What is this new product about?

Eric Gujer: Brexit and the election of Donald Trump have shown how directly political events affect the economy and companies. This is increasing. There is hardly an SME left in Switzerland that is not active internationally in some way. But these companies can't afford research departments like large corporations do. This is where we can offer something, because assessing political and geopolitical risks is our specialty. A second strength is our independence. And finally, we are also a Swiss SME and have a Swiss perspective on the world.

Who are the recipients of your newsletter? Who specifically do you want to reach?

NZZ Global Risk is aimed at SME entrepreneurs and interested readers. We start as a premium newsletter included in the NZZ subscriber. There are many entrepreneurs among NZZ readers. Non-subscribers can buy a digital trial subscription for 20 francs and thus test NZZ Global Risk. In exchange with our readers, we will further develop the product after the launch and offer NZZ Global Risk as a stand-alone, paid product in a second phase.

Does NZZ Global Risk exist only as a newsletter or also in another form?

After the first phase, we will expand the product based on the feedback and behavior of our readers. It is quite conceivable that there will also be a printed version at some point. What is already clear is that we will hold a conference once a year on the opportunities and risks of a particular country region. The first one will be held on August 24 in Zurich on the subject of China. At this conference, our foreign correspondents will examine the topic from the perspective of their respective locations. In August, not only our China correspondent will speak, but also the one from the USA, who of course has a very interesting perspective in this context.

There are already various services for internationally active SMEs, such as those offered by Switzerland Global Enterprise S-GE or the Swiss Export Association. To what extent do you differentiate yourself with your offering?

We do not promote exports and are not a state organization that has to take foreign policy into account. We are also not a company with our own products and interests in these markets. Our product is independent and impartial. These have always been the strengths of the NZZ.

How is "NZZ Global Risk" financed?

In the first phase, it is an offer for our subscribers, financed by subscription revenues.

So no funding through advertising?

No. A partnership would be conceivable.

What sources do you rely on for the content conveyed? Is this purely journalistically researched information or do you also rely on third-party contributions? If so, on whom?

The NZZ has a network of more than 50 correspondents worldwide that is unique in Europe. These are experts who have been working in the respective countries and regions for years. It has long been the case that business delegations abroad like to meet with the local NZZ correspondents because they are not only very well informed and networked, but also independent. For NZZ Global Risk, we work solely with RepRisk. They specialize in assessing and graphically presenting global reputational risks.

How is the newsletter structured?

The Premium Newsletter first presents a management summary, then delves into three plausible scenarios, compares them and assesses their likelihood of occurrence. At the end, we draw a conclusion tailored to the needs of SME entrepreneurs and also provide the reader with extensive statistical and graphical material on the topic. The first newsletter is about the rise of China and the end of the American-dominated world order. The three scenarios we see: 1) confrontation and trade war, 2) harmonious alliance, or 3) pragmatism despite mistrust.

These are indeed geopolitical movements that are relevant at best at the strategic level. Aren't you moving too far away from the daily business of SMEs?

SMEs know their daily business best themselves. But geopolitical changes are by no means far removed from daily business. Increasingly, they have a very direct impact on businesses and entrepreneurs need to take them into account when making decisions. The devaluation of the British pound after the Brexit vote, for example, had a very tangible impact on business with England.

Always on Thursdays

NZZ Global Risk is published every Thursday, for the first time on June 1 at 4:30 pm. In a first phase, the premium newsletter is included in the NZZ subscription and can be ordered at www.nzz.ch/globalrisk be subscribed to. The contents of "NZZ Global Risk" are exclusive - i.e. do not appear elsewhere. In addition to the weekly premium newsletter, there will be an event once a year on the opportunities and risks of a specific country region. The first conference will take place in Zurich on August 24, 2017.

More information incl. video teaser