Behind the scenes of the world's leading industrial products companies, a profound digital transformation is now underway. The industrial manufacturing sector is no exception. Companies are digitizing essential functions within their internal vertical value chain, as well as with their horizontal partners along the supply chain. In addition, they are enhancing their product portfolio with digital functionalities and introducing innovative, data-based services.

Twenty percent of American adults already own a wearable device and the adoption rate - on par with tablets in 2012 - is quickly expected to rise, according to PwC's Consumer Intelligence Series-The Wearable Future report, an extensive U.S. research project that surveyed 1,000 consumers, wearable technology influencers and business executives, as well as monitored social media chatter, to explore the technology's impact on society and business.

Compliance is at a tipping point. The role of the chief compliance officer has gained more prominence over the last decade and is evolving rapidly. Today's CCOs are in a position similar to that of CFOs 15 years ago, and face a similar opportunity and challenge: how to become a more strategic partner in the organization, a vital member of the C-suite.

U.S. retail and consumer merger + acquisition (M+A) activity in 2012 was primarily driven by corporations spinning off businesses, private equity investment in retail, increased cross-border activity and expansion into e-commerce, according to PwC's US retail and consumer M+A insights 2012 Year in Review and 2013 Outlook report.

Plans that detail a business's initial emergency response provide a road map for keeping operations running through a crisis and ready a business for the return to full operational effectiveness in the weeks that follow a disruption. These forward-thinking solutions are critical components to effective business continuity programs, according to a new PwC US paper entitled, "Beyond the first 48 hours: Can your business continuity plan go the distance?"