Long-term structural trends, by definition, take time. The development and adoption of new technologies, the changes in deeply-ingrained consumer behaviors, or the materialization of demographic shifts don't happen overnight. Yet certain events can prove to be either an accelerant or retardant to their adoption.
By and large, the COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be an accelerant for many long-term structural trends. With widespread concerns around public health and global economic growth, consumers, companies, students, and governments are all rapidly adapting their behaviors to cope these new realities. Many of these shifts involve leveraging the latest