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] In 2026, Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region globally with a share of nearly 29.6%, as governments and utilities are investing heavily in smart grids, digital electricity infrastructure, and smart metering projects. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Cloud-based solutions are predicted to lead with a share of approximately 45.6% in 2026 as they allow organizations to manage utility bills from multiple locations through a single platform without investing in expensive on-site IT infrastructure. Persistence Market Research
• [New] AI now cuts across every industry in Australia, from how organizations hire and develop talent, to how individuals build skills and plan long-term careers. Hays Australia
• [New] The UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy is accelerating adoption of outsourced FM models to achieve energy optimization, carbon reduction, and lifecycle asset management across public and private sector infrastructure. MarkNtel Advisors
• [New] The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 emphasizes improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing infrastructure resilience across water production and distribution systems. MarkNtel Advisors
• [New] The mammoth U.S. / Japan Strategic Investment Initiative, whereby Japan will invest $550bn in US industry, is especially promising. Platinum
• [New] U.S. Department of Homeland Security Starting with the AI data center currently under construction in Ulsan, SKT will build a cluster of over 2GW across the southeastern region, using it as a base to attract AI infrastructure demand from global big tech companies to Korea. Shaping Tomorrow
• [New] MedConnect Portugal will create a sophisticated environment where European and international physicians can build strategic collaborations, exchange high-level clinical insights, and explore emerging opportunities in longevity, regenerative medicine, and innovation-driven healthcare. ISSCA
• [New] Continued investments in connected packaging, IoT technologies, sustainable materials, AI-powered supply chain analytics, and digital packaging innovation will create substantial long-term growth opportunities as organizations increasingly modernize packaging systems and global supply chains. Pheonix Research
• [New] Battery manufacturing capacity is set to more than triple by 2030, while EV production capacity could rise more than tenfold, driven by strong industrial policy and increasing foreign investment, including from China. IEA
• [New] India's infrastructure push under its National Infrastructure Pipeline and China's ongoing urbanization drive targeting a 70% urban population share by 2035 continue to translate into strong and sustained sand demand. Claight Corporation (Expert Market Research)
• [New] North America is anticipated to register a CAGR of approximately 4.5% during the forecast period, driven by ongoing infrastructure programmes, active oil and gas operations, and expanding semiconductor facility investments. Claight Corporation (Expert Market Research)
• [New] China plans to invest approximately $295 billion on AI data center projects over the next five years in one of the largest AI infrastructure initiatives globally to date. Seeking Alpha
• [New] IT spending in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is projected to hit 169 billion dollars in 2026, with data center systems identified as the fastest-growing segment at an estimated 37.3% growth, driven largely by the need for generative AI, machine learning, and optimised infrastructure. ETCIOEMEA
• [New] Asia-Pacific is expected to record the fastest expansion through 2036 as manufacturing activity accelerates across China, Japan, South Korea and India, accompanied by broader adoption of industrial 3D printing technologies and increased awareness of cybersecurity risks. Mexico Business
• [New] The rest of Africa has limited infrastructure but potential for growth in coastal tourism destinations. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Latin America is projected to see moderate expansion in its yacht transportation sector over the next few years as tourism infrastructure investments mature. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Asia Pacific is anticipated to emerge as the most dynamic region for yacht transportation logistics over the next few years as infrastructure investment continues to rise. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, driven by rising luxury spending, expanding marina infrastructure, and increasing demand for yacht transportation services across emerging economies. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Over the next 10 years, American Water plans to invest approximately $48 billion in capital improvements to its systems, including infrastructure renewal, water quality, resiliency, technology, and water and wastewater system acquisitions. American Water Newsroom
• [New] In light of the growing clinical potential and global demand, the development of a proactive, adaptable, and internationally coherent legal infrastructure is both necessary and increasingly urgent. Ovid
• [New] The Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation has written to the UK government calling for the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement to be used as an opportunity to reduce the burden of unnecessary regulations on the pallet and timber packaging industry. Packaging News

Last updated: 19 July 2026