35th Annual Survey of Corporate Executives Commentary: Pandemic Presents Occupiers with Challenges and Opportunities
Companies are re-evaluating their real estate strategies and accelerating the automation and digitization of processes.
Q1 2021
In the midst of these challenges, there are also opportunities. As demonstrated in this survey, trends that were already under way before the pandemic — like digitization and automation—are accelerating, with nearly 50 percent of the respondents having instituted more automated processes in response to COVID-19. Cloud computing, data centers, and cybersecurity are also seeing rapid growth as they continue to facilitate remote working. Similarly, e-commerce projects are continuing to flourish, with distribution and fulfillment facilities moving closer to population centers.
The pandemic has also amplified the need for companies to evaluate existing and new markets from fresh perspectives. Nearly 25 percent of all survey respondents claim that their real estate strategy has changed as a result of COVID-19. In the years ahead, we believe many business leaders will continue to have fluid discussions about their footprints and start to consider new factors as they make location decisions, specifically as it relates to population size and density, population growth and momentum, public transit dependence, housing costs and foreclosure risks, fiscal impacts, university pipeline, major airport access, and climate.
Project Announcements
South Korea-Based TYM-USA and Branson Plan Rome, Georgia, Tractor Factory
05/24/2022
Hyundai Motor Group Plans Bryan County, Georgia, Electric Vehicle-Battery Plant
05/23/2022
UTAC Establishes Redford, Michigan, Operations
05/23/2022
Germany-Based Bleistahl North American Expands Battle Creek, Michigan, Operations
05/23/2022
CoinFlip Plans Tampa, Florida, Operations-Innovation Campus
05/20/2022
Catalent Expands Clark County, Kentucky, Operations
05/20/2022
Most Read
-
The Evolution of the Megasite
Q2 2022
-
36th Annual Corporate Survey: Executives Focus on Labor, Energy, Shipping Costs
Q1 2022
-
Rail Gains Advantage Amidst Supply Chain Snarls
Q2 2022
-
The 2021 Top States for Doing Business Reflect Their Locational Advantages
Q3 2021
-
2021 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Recognize State and Local Economic Development Efforts
Q2 2021
-
Innovative and Collaborative Design Sets the Stage for Life Science Innovation
Q2 2022
-
Trends in Data Center Site Selection
Q2 2022