Ten years after its start in 1907, SKF had established manufacturing facilities in 12 countries and sales offices in more than
a hundred – in part by moving into new markets. Today, the products and services of SKF are available in practically every country in the world. Still, many of these countries are categorized as “emerging.” And in fact, emerging markets are the focus of this issue of
Evolution.

   Beyond the fact that a country is experiencing a phase of rapid economic growth, what do we mean by the term “emerging market”?

   The article “A matter of perception” looks at the characteristics.
The inherent power of some of the world’s emerging markets is evident. After recovering from the consequences of the economic crisis in Asia in the late ’90s, many are making a strong comeback.
   One example is Brazil, where Volkswagen has been making cars since 1953. Volkswagen do Brasil has grown with, and followed, the ups and downs of the Brazilian economy for almost five decades. In Latin America we also find Chilean pulp and paper manufacturer CMPC, which has grown entirely from the inside of an emerging market. Today an important exporter, the company recently celebrated its
80th anniversary.
   
When SKF first expanded across the world, motor-driven road transport and telephones were the new emerging technologies. Today other new technologies are emerging, notably the Internet and similar communication networks. In the profile article of this issue, Gerald Q. “Chip” Maguire shares his vision of what the future may bring us in the communications arena. He thinks that very small portable computers, “wearables,” will change our lives completely, coloring how we find partners – both in business and privately. Eventually, he thinks,
we may even have tiny networked computers implanted in our bodies.

   Another emerging technology, “drive-by-wire,” is the result of a technology transfer from aircraft to cars. The article “Remote control in car design” covers this development and how it will change the way cars are designed and driven.

   Perhaps you have already noticed that this issue of Evolution looks different. This is because we have given the magazine something
of a facelift, to better reflect magazine design of today. Among other things, the Evolution color is now a clearer shade of gray-blue.

   I hope this issue of Evolution will give you both reading pleasure and some new ideas. For more information on the topics covered
– or if you think one of your colleagues should have a copy of Evolution – please contact your nearest SKF office.
Marie Möller Gumabon  
Editor-in-chief