Final answer:
Recent changes in the contemporary business environment include the advancement of technology and globalization, leading to increased competition and a shift from manufacturing to service industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the contemporary business environment, some significant changes have been brought about by the advancements in technology and the forces of globalization. The explosion of the internet and communications technology has enabled consumers to purchase goods from anywhere, vastly increasing competition and dissolving traditional market boundaries. This shift is not only seen in consumer markets but also in the realm of business supplies, where business-to-business (B2B) platforms facilitate global transactions. Moreover, the business landscape has seen a shift from manufacturing to service industries, along with increasing competition from foreign producers. Additionally, there has been a reduction in union activity linked to stronger workplace protection laws.