83% of Indian businesses see tech risks as a major threat: Report

83% of Indian businesses view technology advancements and the consequent rise is concerns around data privacy, security vulnerabilities, and regulatory compliance as major risk factors, according to Horizon Watch Emerging Risk Report 2024.

The report, published by Tata AIG General Insurance and Dun & Bradstreet India, was conducted among 300 business leaders across 25 sectors, including IT & ITeS, chemicals & pharmaceuticals, auto & auto-ancillary and financial services to identify emerging risks that Indian businesses will face over the next five years.

69% of respondents, which include corporates ranging from Tata Motors to ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, identified legal challenges as one of the leading contributors to emerging risks. “As regulatory landscapes grow increasingly complex, organisations are becoming more concerned about the potential impact of legal disputes on their operations and long-term strategies,” the report said.

Environmental factors was another concern with 68% businesses rating this as an emerging risk with extreme weather conditions causing serious impediments to their supply chains. Regulatory changes (67% respondents) and geo-political instability (63%) were other major risks identified by Indian corporates.

Sushant Sarin, president – commercial business, TATA AIG General Insurance, said managing emerging risks is crucial to the sustainability and growth of any organization and the report’s aim is to empower organizations to anticipate emerging challenges, mitigate risks, and ensure business continuity.

The report also highlighted that 51% of businesses are worried about evolving consumer preferences, driven by demographic shifts and the increasing demand for sustainable and digital-first solutions while 48% of businesses expressed concern over financial instability due to economic downturns, rising interest rates, and inflation, prompting companies to focus more on liquidity and risk management strategies.