Our Scans · Geopolitics · Key Findings (PINS)

This month’s horizon scanning activities reveal intensifying geopolitical tensions that are reshaping global supply chains, regulatory landscapes, and regional economic strategies. Key dynamics include increased emphasis on supply chain security amid persistent disruptions, regulatory divergence between the UK and EU, and regional efforts in Southeast Asia striving for greater economic integration and self-reliance. Concurrently, China’s growing role in cyber risk analytics and digital infrastructure highlights shifting power centers in emerging technologies and industrial security through to 2035.

Appeals

• Geopolitical instability and regulatory divergence between the UK and EU create potential for increased cross-border appeals and litigation risks, particularly around environmental and chemical regulation compliance such as PFAS ("forever chemicals"). This signals the need for enhanced scrutiny and adaptability in appeals processes to accommodate evolving legal frameworks (Travers Smith, 2026).
• Persistent supply chain disruptions and international tensions may precipitate disputes over cross-jurisdictional infrastructure projects, increasing the complexity and volume of appeals concerning international planning and development approvals.

Applications

• Supply chain security continues to emerge as a key planning consideration, driven by instability in manufacturing hubs such as China and Vietnam’s shift toward economic self-reliance. Applicants will increasingly need to demonstrate resilience strategies in supply chains, impacting infrastructure and industrial applications (Belfer Center, 2026).
• China’s rising role as a regional AI-driven cyber risk hub underscores the growing demand for cybersecurity considerations in applications involving digital infrastructure and smart technologies (Verified Market Reports, 2026).

Plans Examinations

• The ASEAN Economic Community’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan aims to deepen regional integration in digital transformation and supply chain security. This coordinated approach to development may increase alignment pressures on neighbouring countries’ planning frameworks and long-term strategic plans (KBA13, 2026).
• Europe’s dependence on external infrastructure and supply platforms exposes it to vulnerabilities, prompting increased regulatory focus on sovereignty and resilience which could influence UK and EU planning policies (Kyndryl Institute, 2026).
• The UK’s relative lag behind ambitious EU reforms presents long-term risks related to regulatory misalignment, potentially complicating cross-border planning cooperation and compliance by 2035 (Travers Smith, 2026).