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RDI paradigm shifts: how governments can adapt

Published

4 weeks ago

August 28, 2025

GCC governments are placing Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) at the heart of national strategy. According to a new report from Boston Consulting Group and Dubai Future Foundation with the World Governments Summit, six RDI paradigm shifts now define the field. The message is clear: adapt policy and engagement, or risk falling behind.

The six RDI paradigm shifts, in plain language

1) Disciplines are blending. Borders between fields are dissolving. Biology meets materials science; data science powers food tech; wearables turn into nutrient-delivering “smart” textiles. Consequently, governments should fund cross-disciplinary teams, not single-track silos. Interdisciplinary grants, co-supervised PhDs, and national priorities that cross ministries all help.

2) AI + big data need safe “playgrounds.” AI accelerates discovery, from virtual experiments to predictive models. Big data multiplies that effect. However, questions around ownership, consent, and privacy demand guardrails. Therefore, create regulatory sandboxes. In these supervised spaces, researchers and startups can test new methods while regulators stress-test policy.

3) Synthetic intelligence is here. Human expertise now pairs with machine computation. This “synthetic talent” changes methods and speed. Accordingly, education policy must add AI literacy across STEM and beyond. Moreover, public funding should back tools that keep sensitive computation local when possible, balancing capability with control.

4) Lab-to-market must move faster—without skipping basics. Pandemic-era vaccine timelines showed what is possible when mature science meets focused translation. Even so, breakthrough speed relied on decades of fundamental research. Hence, governments should provide patient capital for early-stage work and then unlock private funding as projects mature. This cadence protects depth while rewarding delivery.

5) Impact means more than the “impact factor.” Citations matter, yet they miss real-world value. Updated scorecards should include reproducibility, adoption, jobs created, and societal benefit. Additionally, expert panels can complement metrics. When reviewers celebrate learning, not just outcomes, labs take bold shots and share negative results that move fields forward.

6) Access is widening—and narrowing. Cheap tools and open methods democratize discovery. Meanwhile, compute-heavy AI stacks concentrate power. To keep the door open, governments can fund national computing, bridge academy-industry gaps, and build open data repositories. In parallel, incentives for private knowledge-sharing will broaden participation.

Voices from the ecosystem

Leaders across Dubai echo the urgency. Maya ElHachem of BCG underscores how AI and big data double research productivity and compress timelines in areas like drug development. Khalifa AlQama of Dubai Future Labs stresses talent, patient capital, and pro-innovation environments. Similarly, BCG’s Anna Flynn points to a future shaped by “synthetic talent,” where students treat AI as a research partner, not just a subject.

What can governments do next?

Set cross-cutting priorities. Pick missions that require collaboration—food security, resilient health, and sustainable industry. Then align budgets, grants, and procurement around those missions.

Fund the full pipeline. Back curiosity-driven research; support validation; scale pilots through sandboxes; use demand-side tools like challenge prizes and advance market commitments.

Equip the workforce. Update curricula with AI, data governance, and reproducibility. Additionally, reward faculty who co-create with industry while keeping open-science principles.

Invest in shared infrastructure. Provide secure compute, trusted data spaces, and testbeds for cities, factories, and logistics. Consequently, startups and labs build faster with lower cost.

Measure what matters. Report on translation speed, startup formation, public-private projects, and social impact. Publish the lessons. Improve the scorecard each year.

Dubai’s momentum

Dubai has already moved. The Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation Program advances a knowledge-based economy through grants, sandboxes, and targeted fields such as health, cognitive cities, AI, and robotics. As these programs scale, more founders and labs will find a predictable path from idea to impact.

Bottom line

The world’s innovation map is shifting. Governments that embrace these RDI paradigm shifts—and act with focus—will build ecosystems that prove resilient, ethical, and fast. With clear missions, practical sandboxes, AI-ready talent, and fair access to tools, the region can turn research into lasting value for society and the economy.

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Hitachi Energy grid automation leads global market

Published

2 days ago

September 24, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Hitachi Energy grid automation has achieved the No.1 global ranking in ARC Advisory Group’s 2024–2029 market study. This recognition highlights the company’s pivotal role in transforming power grids for a sustainable energy future.

ARC’s study named Hitachi Energy as the top supplier of grid automation products and services for transmission and distribution utilities. Moreover, the company secured leadership in software categories such as Grid Control & Management, Outage Management, and AI Applications, as well as hardware segments including wireless networks, measurement devices, and RTUs.

Market recognition of Hitachi Energy’s grid automation

“Grid automation is essential for operating and maintaining the modern grid,” said Richard Rys, Director of Consulting at ARC Advisory. “Our analysis shows Hitachi Energy at the top. Its expertise, integrated solutions, and digital capabilities drive industry leadership.”

The report forecasts rapid growth in grid automation due to new energy mixes, grid storage, and emerging market structures such as virtual power plants. In addition, regions rebuilding after extreme weather or conflicts show the highest demand for automation.

Grid automation at a turning point

Massimo Danieli, Managing Director of Grid Automation at Hitachi Energy, emphasized the company’s commitment: “Rapid electrification and the urgency of the energy transition are placing unprecedented demands on the grid. As market leader, we are proud to deliver advanced solutions that modernize infrastructure, strengthen resilience, and speed the move to clean energy.”

This position reflects how Hitachi Energy’s grid automation solutions help utilities manage energy challenges. Consequently, the company enables customers to plan, monitor, protect, and control their grids with a unified, data-driven approach.

Digital innovation driving sustainable grids

Hitachi Energy continues to embed AI, analytics, and automation into grid systems. As a result, more than three billion people benefit daily from technologies that ensure safe, reliable, and efficient energy delivery. The company’s portfolio supports utilities worldwide in balancing demand growth with decarbonization goals.

ARC’s Grid Automation Global Market Study, published annually since 2021, provides five-year forecasts and detailed supplier rankings. It underscores the growing importance of automation as utilities invest in digital infrastructure to accelerate the energy transition.

About Hitachi Energy

Headquartered in Switzerland, Hitachi Energy employs more than 50,000 people across 60 countries and generates annual revenues of around $16 billion USD. Its century-long heritage in high-voltage, transformers, and automation makes it a trusted partner for utilities, industries, transportation, and data centers.

About ARC Advisory Group

Founded in 1986, ARC Advisory Group is a global research and advisory firm focused on industrial, energy, and infrastructure markets. Its annual studies provide critical insights into supplier performance and future technology trends.

Check out our previous post on Agentic AI startups are reshaping the corporate world

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Agentic AI startups are reshaping the corporate world

Published

2 days ago

September 24, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Subrato Basu, Global Transformation Advisor

Agentic AI startups are driving a new era of autonomy in business. They combine intelligence, adaptability, and goal-directed action in ways that traditional automation cannot match. From workflows that optimise themselves to marketing campaigns that shift in real time, these startups are reshaping how enterprises operate.

HR transformation with Agentic AI startups

Companies such as Hume AI, PeopleGPT, and Sora embed empathy and foresight into HR. Rather than simply process leave requests, agents detect burnout, analyse diversity, and propose inclusion strategies. As a result, HR becomes a strategic partner.

Smarter talent acquisition with intelligent agents

Recruitment tools like TalentPulse AI and HireLogic interpret résumés, evaluate culture fit, and even simulate interviews. Consequently, recruiters gain decision-ready insights while candidates enjoy a personalised experience.

FinOps and cost optimisation with AI

Cloud overspending erodes margins, but platforms such as Harness.io and Granulate provide autonomous financial optimisation. Their agents forecast demand, right-size infrastructure, and enforce budget control.

Governance and compliance supported by Agentic AI startups

Regulatory change is constant. Tools like TitanGuard and LogicGate act as compliance engines, flagging risks and suggesting updates. For example, agents can detect ESG gaps or recommend GDPR adjustments.

Business decisioning powered by AI

Executives overwhelmed by data can turn to platforms like Hyperplane or Delphi AI. These digital partners test scenarios, weigh risks, and refine strategies, offering clarity where dashboards overwhelm.

Cybersecurity redefined with intelligent defence

Startups, including Darktrace and SentinelOne, deliver proactive protection. Agents predict attack paths, detect anomalies, and isolate threats instantly, functioning like digital immune systems.

Marketing and product innovation with adaptive AI

Brands use tools like Mutiny and Personal.ai to run personalised, real-time campaigns. Similarly, product teams rely on Tandem or LinearGPT to track usage, prioritise features, and draft specs.

Agentic AI in government and society

Governments are also adopting AI agents. Startups such as Zencity and PolicyPal help process permits, detect anomalies, and answer citizen queries with context. Bureaucracies gain speed, transparency, and citizen trust.

From automation to autonomy

The leap is clear:

Automation: Task execution → Agentic AI: Goal pursuit
Automation: Static workflows → Agentic AI: Adaptive orchestration
Automation: Human oversight → Agentic AI: Human trust earned

Human-agent partnerships

AI agents do not replace humans; they augment them. Leaders must orchestrate intelligence, ensuring systems remain transparent, ethical, and aligned with values.

Are you ready for Agentic AI startups?

The next unicorns will not only automate. They will deploy intelligent, autonomous agents that redefine how businesses think and grow. The key question is not if companies adopt Agentic AI, but how fast they lead with it.

Check out our previous post on Future of Sport and AI report by G42 launches

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Future of Sport and AI report by G42 launches

Published

2 days ago

September 24, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Abu Dhabi-based technology group G42 has released the second edition of its landmark Future of Sport and AI report. Developed in partnership with London foresight consultancy The Future Laboratory, the report explores how artificial intelligence is transforming sport worldwide.

Building on the success of its 2024 edition, this annual publication now serves as a benchmark for tracking AI’s adoption and impact. Moreover, the research for the latest report included a global survey of senior sports executives. As a result, findings revealed strong optimism: 88% expressed confidence in AI adoption and 85% in its practical application.

Key themes in the Future of Sport and AI

This year’s edition highlights two major themes. First, AI is emerging as a democratizing force, bringing insights once exclusive to elite teams to grassroots athletes and mid-tier clubs. Consequently, this shift is unlocking new talent pathways and raising competitiveness across levels.

Second, the report points to a persistent strategy gap. While leaders recognize AI’s importance, many lack a clear roadmap. In addition, resistance to change and poor planning keep pilots from scaling, with data showing up to 95% of AI projects fail to expand beyond trial phases.

Partnerships bringing AI innovation to sport

G42 has partnered with leading teams to test and refine AI applications. For example, collaborations with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and UAE Team Emirates-XRG are generating performance and fan-engagement insights that can benefit the wider industry. Furthermore, these partnerships highlight how AI can serve as a force for good, improving decision-making, health outcomes, and audience connection.

How AI is reshaping global sport

According to the report, AI is transforming sport across five pillars:

Strategy and tactics – real-time decision-making tools and tactical agents.
Talent – new scouting and training insights to identify emerging athletes.
Fan engagement – AI-powered commentary and immersive digital experiences.
Health and performance – analytics into physiology, injury prevention, and recovery.
Design – innovations such as low-carbon sportswear and VR-enabled training.

For instance, examples include immersive VR training for athletes, AI-driven commentary for fans, and pioneering research into female athlete physiology. Importantly, these innovations demonstrate how AI impacts not only elite sport but also community and grassroots levels.

Expert contributions to the report

The report features insights from experts across sports, medicine, and design. Contributors include Michael Taylor of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Sarah Bailey of the Tennessee Titans, Dr Chris Brady of Sportsology, Helene Guillaume Pabis of Wild.AI, and Sotiris Salamouris of Olympic Broadcasting Services. Moreover, additional voices such as Kevin Poulton of UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Dr Thomas Mroz of Cleveland Clinic add depth to the analysis.

G42’s vision for AI in sport

Faheem Ahamed, Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at G42, underlined the group’s vision:

“At G42, we see sport as a powerful proving ground for AI’s potential. From training to fan engagement, AI is transforming every aspect of the game. Our collaborations show that AI is no longer a distant possibility; it is a force for good we are already deploying to reimagine the future of sport and beyond.”

Therefore, G42 positions AI not just as a technology, but as a tool for inclusion, innovation, and inspiration.

About the report partners

Founded in Abu Dhabi, G42 is a global technology group applying AI across industries from molecular biology to space. The Future Laboratory, based in London, is a strategic foresight consultancy helping organizations anticipate change and harness new opportunities. Together, they provide a roadmap for how AI can make sport more inclusive, competitive, and innovative — while also setting the stage for broader applications in society.

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