Insights

Yoga has been linked to numerous health benefits and may also contribute to longevity. Centenarians who practice yoga, like Daisy Taylor, attribute their long and healthy lives to the practice. Studies show that yoga can have a positive effect on age-related diseases, reduce blood pressure and obesity, and alleviate depression and anxiety. Additionally, research suggests that yoga may influence aging at a cellular level and help to keep the brain mentally fit as we age. Yoga practitioners have larger brain mass and better cognitive abilities compared to non-practitioners. While the evidence is mostly correlational, there is growing support for the idea that yoga can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
Yoga has many health benefits as you age – but is it also the secret to longevity?
The automotive industry is facing challenges in achieving net zero emissions and developing sustainable electric vehicles (EVs). A survey reveals dissatisfaction with existing methods of EV battery testing, prompting the potential use of AI to accelerate battery validation. The study highlights that over 60% of respondents believe current methods fall short in meeting the demands of EV battery development. Introducing AI into industry workflows presents challenges, particularly in building trust. However, thoughtfully designed AI with explainable capabilities can enhance transparency and reinforce engineering expertise. AI offers benefits such as accelerating product validation, optimizing battery designs, and reducing physical tests. Leading battery manufacturers have already started integrating AI into their development processes, sparking industry-wide adoption. Testing laboratories are early adopters of AI, optimizing test sequences and identifying potential failure modes early on. Collaboration between developers and engineers is crucial in building trust in AI.
Fully charged: how AI-powered battery testing can support the EV boom
Companies, particularly in the consumer products sector, are preparing for supply chain challenges anticipated in 2025 due to political and economic changes, including increased oil production and higher tariffs. As PMI continues to contract, firms are cautious due to mixed demand signals. The Apparel and Luxury sectors show better inventory turnover, while spending on Home and Durables has decreased. Developing agile supply chains will be crucial for adaptation to upcoming economic and geopolitical shifts.
Consumer Products Corner - Supply Chain Check up: Are companies ready for the supply chain challenges of 2025?
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has had far-reaching effects on the post-Soviet South. While relations with Russia remain strong, the former subalterns in the region are asserting their independence and strengthening incumbent regimes. This has led to a widening radius of interaction and reduced incentives for political reform. The persistence of authoritarianism in the region mirrors the diminishing soft power of the EU and the West. The EU will need to offer credible incentives to strengthen relations with assertive Eurasian partners.
Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Ukraine | Financial services
Reconfigurations in the Post-Soviet South
'Geo-economic bi-globalization' is a result of geopolitical competition and changes in international power structure. The shift from economic globalization to geo-economic bi-globalization is driven by the US-China geopolitical bipolarity. This new phase will lead to increased geo-economic competition and the weaponization of trade. The strategies of major powers will reshape the global trade order and form bloc allegiances. The USA's strategy involves decoupling from China and defending its economy, while China aims to achieve self-sufficiency and diversify its export markets. These competing strategies are creating two geo-economic spheres of influence. These spheres may evolve into blocs, leading to a process of bi-globalization. Trade and investment between these hypothetical blocs is decreasing.
Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Financial services
What's 'bi-globalization' and could this be the near future for geo-economics and global trade?
Generative AI leaders must blend thinking, building, and creating value in order to drive effective business transformation. This requires a shift in leadership styles and the development of balanced teams of technical, domain, and business experts. Clear strategies, collaboration, and alignment with business goals are critical for success. GenAI leadership calls for a broader and more dynamic skillset, navigating uncharted waters and embracing change, innovation, and experimentation. The ideal GenAI leader possesses the qualities of a strategic thinker, a technical builder, and a value creator. The demands on GenAI leaders are intense, but their potential to drive transformation is undeniable.
Why Generative AI leaders must blend thinking, building and creating value
Investing in connectivity and digital infrastructure is crucial for inclusion and empowerment. Many people, especially in developing countries, still lack internet access. Accessible and affordable internet can improve lives and contribute to a more equitable future. Connectivity infrastructure investments can expand broadband access, promoting digital inclusion and empowering individuals. Although mobile phone ownership is high, the digital divide persists, with low-income countries having limited access to reliable internet. Bridging this divide requires affordable and accessible connectivity. Investments in infrastructure can enable people to overcome challenges, improve their lives, and contribute to sustainable development. Initiatives by companies and partnerships, such as the UNDP and e&, are key to bridging the digital divide and empowering communities worldwide.
Bangladesh | ICT, Financial services
How investing in connectivity and digital infrastructure can be a catalyst for inclusion and empowering people
Process intelligence is essential for optimizing processes in the Intelligent Age. AI powered by process intelligence provides a shared understanding of how businesses and organizations operate, enabling better collaboration. Despite the increasing adoption of AI, many businesses struggle to extract meaningful value from their investments. Process intelligence helps bridge this gap by providing the necessary context for AI to understand and improve business processes. Leading companies are already using AI agents and assistants fueled by process intelligence to drive business transformation and generate value. Modernizing processes with AI-led process intelligence has been shown to significantly increase revenue growth and productivity. The power of process intelligence can also extend beyond corporate borders.
How to leverage process intelligence to holistically optimize processes in the Intelligent Age
The analysis reviews national green economy strategies in Germany, Sweden, Azerbaijan, China, and the United States, focusing on their successes, challenges, and lessons learned. It examines the integration of environmental sustainability with economic growth through a systematic review of academic and policy sources. Key metrics assessed include policy coherence, institutional frameworks, and investment in renewable energy. The findings underscore the necessity of aligning national strategies with global sustainability targets and highlight the unique challenges and successes of each country, offering insights into effective policy frameworks and international cooperation for sustainable development.
Algeria, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Russian Federation, Sweden, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates
Comparative Analysis Of National Green Economy Strategies: Successes, Challenges, And Lessons Learned
The 29th World Climate Change Conference (COP29) revealed a shift in the balance of power in international climate politics following the US elections. China played a constructive role in negotiations on international climate finance, while vulnerable countries were forced to make compromises. Saudi Arabia blocked progress on mitigation, and middle powers criticized the EU's climate protection measures. The new European Commission needs to reorient its climate diplomacy to avoid isolation and protect its climate and competition agenda.
Financial services
A New Balance Of Power at the 29th World Climate Conference
Composite AI in the Intelligent Age is leading us towards a people-centered future. This shift from isolated AI models to collaborative AI systems fosters global partnerships that integrate regional strengths and ethical principles. By combining capabilities across industries and regions, composite AI enables adaptable, inclusive solutions to tackle complex challenges like climate change and economic inequality. Establishing global ethical and regulatory frameworks for composite AI ensures transparency, fairness, and sustainability, empowering diverse communities and fostering equitable innovation worldwide. Collaboration, shared values, and trust are key to building a global AI ecosystem that prioritizes ethical standards, inclusivity, and equity.
Why composite AI in the Intelligent Age leads us to a people-centred future
The World Trade Organization (WTO) raised its global trade growth forecast for 2024, driven by resilience in demand despite geopolitical challenges. Global trade is set to reach a record $33 trillion, with services trade fueling half of the expansion. Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China, remain a top risk for trade. Despite these tensions, trade deals continue to be signed, including the EU and Mercosur countries announcing a free trade agreement. Trade tech is also growing, with efforts to leverage technology for improved efficiency in global trade.
5 top global trade stories of 2024
AI has the potential to combat mis- and disinformation about migration. While mis- and disinformation campaigns often exploit societal anxieties, AI can be used to amplify true stories about migration. AI technologies, such as generative AI, can both spread and counter misinformation. Advanced algorithms and machine learning systems can identify patterns indicative of disinformation and flag false narratives. Additionally, AI tools can be used to fact-check migration-related content and dispel myths. Building resilience to disinformation requires partnerships, regulatory frameworks, media and digital literacy, and the dissemination of accurate information about migration.
How AI can help combat mis- and disinformation about migration
The European Crisis Management Laboratory (ECML) conducts research and development to support EU crisis preparedness and response policy. They use artificial intelligence, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs), to enhance their situational awareness capabilities. The ECML uses LLMs, specifically Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques, to collect information from trusted databases and generate texts that best fit their needs. The report evaluates the reliability of the information extracted by AI and discusses the potential for implementing this technology in operational environments.
Artificial intelligence applied to disasters and crises management - World
The World Economic Forum's impact extends beyond the Annual Meeting in Davos, with initiatives and partnerships being developed and implemented throughout the year. Examples include GAEA, which aims to unlock climate finance through public, private, and philanthropic partnerships; the Cybercrime Atlas initiative, which maps the cybercriminal ecosystem to aid in disruption; the Mission Possible Partnership, focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors; and the EDISON Alliance, which promotes equitable access to the digital economy. These efforts contribute to progress and positive change on a global scale.
Financial services
The other 51 weeks: what happens before and after Davos?
AI governance remains a topic of serious debate and practical implementation even under the Trump administration. While there may be a push for looser AI regulation, the reality is that AI governance is here to stay. Most AI regulation is not explicitly focused on AI but rather the enforcement of general-purpose rules. States and other governments have passed numerous AI bills and regulations that can force companies to change their practices. The Biden administration's regulatory approach to AI, focused on "soft law" and industry self-regulation, is likely to endure. Industry leaders have already invested resources in AI governance and responsibility practices. However, there is still a need for regulatory sanctions and government-defined rules as a backstop to ensure responsible AI development.
Even Under Trump, AI Governance Is Here to Stay
Japan's push to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) is hindered by its cultural aversion to risk and failure. Despite being a top spender in R&D, Japan struggles with embracing disruptive innovation and digital transformation. However, Japan's meticulous attention to precision and ethical standards could be turned into competitive advantages, particularly in fields like healthcare and autonomous systems. Japanese businesses are finding ways to integrate AI while preserving traditional practices, such as NEC's AI solutions for manufacturing that enhance quality inspection while preserving skilled workers' expertise. The media also plays a crucial role in reframing societal attitudes towards risk and failure.
Japan
Reconciling tradition and innovation: Japan's path to global AI leadership
Possible futures for the global economy under new trade tariffs proposed by former US President Donald Trump include confrontational scenarios, with higher prices and inflation, as well as potential benefits such as increased demand for US-produced goods and technological innovation. Another scenario involves a transactional approach, where the US offers appealing terms for market access in exchange for concessions. This could lead to a restructuring of supply chains and the formation of economic blocs centred around the US and China. A third scenario involves China accepting US demands to rebalance bilateral trade, but this is seen as unlikely. UK and EU exports to the US would face tariffs, potentially leading to retaliatory measures and complicating the UK's relationship with both the US and EU.
Three possible futures for the global economy if Trump brings in new trade tariffs
The overuse of the term "crisis" distorts strategic thinking in foreign and defense policy, as it fosters urgency and obscures long-term dynamics. Jonathan Guiffard argues for a reevaluation of geopolitical analysis, advocating for foresight as a crucial tool instead of reactive measures triggered by so-called crises. The author highlights that many events labeled as crises are instead milestones in ongoing historical processes. A shift towards broader, more reflective thinking is essential to effectively address complex international issues rather than succumbing to immediate media-driven pressures.
From Crisis to Foresight: for a Long-Term Foreign Policy
South Africa’s AI dilemma: Bridging policy gaps for global leadership Fragmented domestic AI policies risk undermining South Africa's G20 leadership potential, calling for urgent cohesion and action. According to consulting company PwC, the global artificial intelligence (AI) market will grow from US$136.6 billion in 2023 to US$1.81 trillion by 2030. South Africa has expressed its ambition to lead global AI policy discussions as part of its G20 presidency and clearly intends to capture a share of these transformative opportunities. With several AI hubs, the country is well-positioned to lead in continental AI innovation but its fragmented domestic approach threatens to undermine its potential to leverage AI for economic growth and social development.
Angola, Botswana
South Africa’s AI dilemma: Bridging policy gaps for global leadership

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