The ability of the sōgō shōsha to survive through all the changes and transformations that have taken place over the years can, in many ways, be attributed to their adeptness in recognizing the rise of new industries early on and creating new businesses in the process, or in applying new technologies and techniques to existing businesses to increase competitiveness and avoid obsolescence.
One example of a new industry the sōgō shōsha quickly adapted to is the information and communication technology (ICT) or information technology (IT) industry.