he ABSL Forum in Porto brought together business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the future of the business services sector on the global map, its competitiveness and resilience. The message was clear: we are at a crossroads, and how we act today will determine the sector’s trajectory for the next decade.

What are the key findings from these two inspirations-fueled days? See them below ⬇️

Europe cannot afford to act in isolation. The future lies in partnerships, both within and outside the continent. At the same time, regional resilience is key. With geopolitical tensions rising, investors are prioritizing reliable jurisdictions and stable ecosystems. Europe must step up with a unified voice, offering both certainty and innovation.
Talent is key. As fertility rates decline and the talent pool shrinks, attracting, retaining, and upskilling people has never been more critical. Europe remains a magnet for talent worldwide due to its stability, but we must shift towards project-based and outcome-focused teaching to prepare a workforce ready to adapt, as well as invest in lifelong learning for both technical and soft skills, ensuring teams are agile and future-proof.
Technology, particularly AI, is transforming the sector. While some fear it will reduce demand for traditional services, the consensus is that AI is an enabler, not a replacement. It’s about creating new roles, improving decision-making, and unlocking opportunities we couldn’t imagine before.
Transformation is a strategic imperative for the business services sector. As global, social and technological disruption accelerates, organizations must focus on evolving their value propositions. Encouraging a mindset of continuous reinvention by embracing change as an opportunity rather than a risk.

Sustainability is no longer optional. It’s a business strategy. The sector must embrace hashtag
#ESG as a core driver of innovation and long-term value creation, think of ESG as an investment, not a cost, and build sustainable practices into every process, showing that Europe is committed to a better future.

The Forum underscored the need for leaders to be proactive, vocal, and united:
➡️ Advocate for smarter regulations that support innovation while protecting employees.
➡️ Strengthen cross-border collaboration to reduce fragmentation and unleash Europe’s collective potential.
➡️ Rethink location strategies to reflect a network of hubs, ensuring agility and proximity to markets.

By embracing technology, sustainability, and talent, and by forging global partnerships, we can ensure that Europe remains a leader on the global stage.

It’s not just about growth, it’s about purpose. The time to act is now! 🚨