Brazil, Russia, India, and China retain their leading positions as the world’s top emerging markets, according to the Business Perspectives on Emerging Markets 2012–2017 report by Global Intelligence Alliance.

India, China, and Brazil are seen as equally important in the next five years; Russia remains significant but the level of interest is well below the top three. Indonesia is the next upcoming emerging market, with more than 27 percent of companies naming it fifth after the BRIC countries and South Africa is in sixth position (22.2 percent).

Global Intelligence Alliance conducted the online survey of executives at 431 worldwide companies and organizations in April and May, asking about their work in and plans for emerging markets. The report found that respondents’ reasons for investing in emerging markets have become less about seeking lower production costs and more about building a base for long-term success in those markets.

Reflecting on their previous forays into emerging markets, fully 9 out of 10 respondents said they should have done something better in their strategy. The top three regrets are:

  1. Should have adapted better to local market conditions
  2. Should have entered the market more quickly
  3. Should have had better market intelligence/conducted better due diligence

The Top 10 Emerging Markets for 2012–2017
1. India 66.4 percent of respondents
2. Brazil  65.7 percent
3. China  65.4 percent
4. Russia  39.7 percent
5. Indonesia  27.4 percent
6. South Africa  22.2 percent
7. Vietnam  20.1 percent
8. Mexico  18.5 percent
9. Turkey  17.8 percent
10. Argentina  10.3 percent

Global Intelligence Alliance is a strategic market intelligence and advisory group formed in 1995. Its consultants and analysts offer customized solutions ranging from outsourced market monitoring services and software to strategic analysis and advisory.