Meaning & use
strategic implications
Last updated
Meaning
nounplural
the likely long-term effects that a decision, event, or change will have on plans or position
Grammar: Used as a plural noun; it usually follows 'the' and is followed by 'of' or 'for'.
Patterns
- the strategic implications of something
- strategic implications for someone/something
- have strategic implications
The board spent hours discussing the strategic implications of entering the Asian market.
Closing the factory has strategic implications for the whole supply chain.
Analysts are still working out the strategic implications of the new trade agreement.
Common combinations
- consider the strategic implications
- Before we sign, we must consider the strategic implications for our partners.
- far-reaching strategic implications
- The merger has far-reaching strategic implications for competitors.
- strategic implications of a decision
- She wrote a report on the strategic implications of the pricing decision.
- strategic implications for the industry
- The ruling carries strategic implications for the entire industry.
Synonyms and how they differ
- consequences
- Consequences are any results, good or bad, while strategic implications specifically concern long-term plans and positioning.
- ramifications
- Ramifications suggests complex, often unintended effects; strategic implications is more neutral and planning-focused.
Word family
- strategy noun
- a plan for achieving a long-term goal
- strategic adjective
- relating to long-term plans or overall aims
- implication noun
- a possible effect or a suggested meaning
Commonly confused: strategic implications or implications?
strategic implications vs implications
On its own, 'implications' can mean hinted meanings; adding 'strategic' makes it about long-term planning effects.
Practice
The new regulations have significant strategic implications ___ companies that export to Europe.
Choose one answer.
'Implications for' introduces who or what is affected, which fits here. 'Implications of' would introduce the source of the effects, so 'the implications of the regulations' is correct, but 'implications of companies' is not.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “strategic implications”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.