Siemens 2010 Annual Report Download - page 29

40 Directions 56 One Siemens 64 Vision
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tion, power distribution and energy consumption.
As a world-leading supplier of products, solutions
and services for the entire energy conversion chain,
we’re a pioneer in all these fields. Our technologies
are enabling us to push the efficiency of fossil-fuel
power plants, wind farms and solar power systems,
develop smart power grids, boost the energy effi-
ciency of production facilities and create energy-
saving lighting systems.
Globalization and
competitiveness
As the 21st century unfolds, the significance of na-
tional economies is declining. Business networks
are becoming increasingly globalized as more and
more companies compete internationally. And the
figures tell the story: the number of multinational
companies has grown from about 10,000 in 1968-
1969 to more than 80,000 today. In addition, the
volume of sea freight has more than tripled over the
last 40 years.
Globalized markets aren’t only expanding business
opportunities; they’re also intensifying competitive
pressures and causing the center of economic grav-
ity to shift to new regions. It’s the world’s emerging
countries that will be the growth drivers of the fu-
ture. In the years ahead, the economies of the so-
called BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and
China – are expected to grow twice as fast as those
of their industrialized counterparts. That’s why the
challenge for us is to ensure our global competitive-
ness by capturing long-term, leading positions in
tomorrow’s markets.
To succeed in today’s global economy, companies
have to think and act internationally. We support
customers in some 190 countries, and we’ve had
operations in the BRIC countries for over 100 years.
Our aim is to manufacture cost-efficient, affordable,
high-quality, customized products all over the
world. We can supply global customers with simple
solutions worldwide – systems that can improve the
lives of people everywhere. Our range of products,
services, knowhow and value-creating solutions is
virtually unparalleled. For example, we provide
auto mation systems and software solutions that
simplify and streamline industrial processes; build-
ing and security technologies that optimize the effi-
ciency of manufacturing and working environ-
ments; and water treatment systems that help com-
munities meet the steadily growing demand for
clean water. We also offer networked transportation
systems and other mobility solutions on a world-
wide basis.
The challenges facing the world are global.
And so are we: in some  countries around the world,
we’re close to customers and meeting local needs.
Substantial increase in real exports
1950 2007
www.siemens.com/worldwide