In a historic agreement on 8 October 2021, 136 countries approved the OECD two-pillar solution in a major overhaul of the century-old international taxation system. At the G20 Summit in Rome on 30 October 2021, the leaders of the world’s biggest economies endorsed the two-pillar solution, decades in the making but which will be implemented in 2023.

Recent studies indicate that the majority (60-80%) of advanced analytics/AI projects fail, often citing “management resistance and internal politics”. However, having reviewed/supervised hundreds of such projects around the world, our experience suggests that many projects are ill-conceived and fall victim to poor analyses and pre-launch planning.

Isabelle, vice-president of customer loyalty and insight at a big bank, has led the development of a package of new products/services for clients, and a five-minute presentation to explain the offering. In a pilot test, where client managers randomly select walk-in customers and offer to go through the presentation, some agree to listen but others don’t have the time.

This case explains the technological changes in mobile communications, with a special focus on the fifth generation (5G). It describes the evolution from the first generation (1G) to the 5G; core technologies, distinct capabilities, key products, and major players in the 5G era.

The case discusses different steps which Mastercard has followed in its digital transformation journey. They involve opportunity framing, creating innovation pathways, finding digital transformation opportunities, and innovation with partners within adaptive ecosystems.