Global Scans · Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

• [New] The primary artificial intelligence hyperscalers - Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Oracle - are projected to spend $520 billion to build out AI infrastructure in 2026, potentially 30% above 2025 levels. The Plan Advocate
• [New] Global spending on AI infrastructure will exceed 2.8 trillion dollars by 2029, aligning with NVIDIA's forecast of 3-4 trillion by 2030. The Cryptonomist
• [New] Energy and infrastructure: data centers were already consuming 415 TWh in 2024, a figure expected to double by 2030. The Cryptonomist
• [New] Sweden, a global leader in digital innovation, faces an increasing number of cybersecurity threats targeting its critical infrastructure, financial institutions, healthcare systems, and government entities. Cybersecurity Conferences 2025 - 2026 | Over 3.4K Event
• [New] The growing trend of multinational M&A will continue to integrate local technologies with international expertise, accelerating the global recognition of China's pharmaceutical innovations and securing greater influence in the worldwide industry. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are no longer sci-fi concepts but active infrastructure projects intended to power the massive data centers of 2026. Dove Computer Solutions Ltd
• [New] The European Commission is placing a big bet on hydrogen pipelines and infrastructure, potentially fast-tracking pipeline projects that could obtain favourable financing and subsidies. Gas Outlook
• [New] At COP 29, nearly 60 countries committed to the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, which sets a goal of deploying 1500 GW of energy storage, doubling global grid investments, and developing 25 million kilometers of grid infrastructure by 2030. IEA
• [New] Industry experts anticipate a rebound, particularly in 2026, with bookings expected to pick up as travel confidence increases. Travel And Tour World
• [New] The AI agents of 2026 will execute complex operations while connecting to external systems and operating network infrastructure through automated processes. aipix.ai
• [New] The North West industrial cluster is projected to generate a water deficit of around 70 million liters per day by 2030, but planned strategies by United Utilities are expected to create a surplus by 2045. Yahoo News UK
• [New] Without urgent action, the high water demands of industrial decarbonization could outpace supply in key regions as soon as 2030. Yahoo News UK
• [New] The American Jobs Plan provides significant financing for rail infrastructure modernization. Precedence Research
• [New] Europe is boosting its defence spending, aiming to reach 5% of GDP by 2035, and working to enhance capabilities, including developing a resilient defence industrial base and autonomous digital infrastructure such as cloud computing for defence operations. Economic Times
• [New] Virgin Australia plans to use AI for customer service, flight operations, and personalized travel experiences, while Wesfarmers will deploy AI across its retail and industrial divisions. HUMAI
• [New] The EDE3 research project is expected to advance the capabilities of engine diagnostics and predictive maintenance, supporting Wartsila and the wider industry in adapting to evolving energy systems. News Powered by Cision
• [New] Sources within the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Russian VDV elements operating in the Kherson direction will receive naval drones to strike coastal infrastructure and watercraft and to supply Russian troops over waterways. Critical Threats
• [New] Recent strategic initiatives include the establishment of innovation hubs in the UK and South Korea to drive growth in key markets like footwear and advanced foam solutions, though management's limited tenure may pose execution risks. Webull

Last updated: 07 December 2025