The UK Government’s newly established Critical Imports Council aims to lessen the disturbance of essential goods flow from unpredictable global supply chain disruptions. Business and Trade Minister, Alan Mak, highlights strengthening critical goods supply against real-world crises through collaborative efforts with industry experts. With representation from diverse sectors including telecommunications, the council will focus on assessing risks and creating robust mitigation strategies.
In the dynamic landscape of tech and geopolitics, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) face crucial challenges. In 2024, CIOs can embrace Generative AI, integrating it ethically to enhance customer experiences. Holistic Diversity and sustainable practices, such as adopting green IT, become imperative. Aligning processes for scalable growth through composability and bridging vision with execution underscore the transformative role of CIOs in fostering innovation, diversity, and eco-friendly solutions.
In a collaborative effort, UNESCO and Huawei have contributed to the advancement of education in Ethiopia through the Technology-enabled Open School Systems for All project (TeOSS). This initiative, part of Huawei’s TECH4ALL program, has been operational in Ethiopia, Egypt, and Ghana since 2020, with a recent donation ceremony held at the Ethiopian Ministry of Education.
The European Commission is urging member states to conduct shared risk assessments in key tech realms including advanced semiconductors, AI, quantum tech, and biotech. Amidst the cloud of geopolitical tech skirmishes, EU stands poised to protect sensitive technologies and is resolved not to preemptively decide on any corrective measures. Only time will reveal the Commission’s next steps after risk assessments.
The global wearable device market has bounced back, with an 8.5% year-on-year increase in Q2 shipments, counteracting a two-quarter decline. This upswing is not all positive news, with the market value taking a hit as competition leads to hefty price discounts. However, a growing preference for comprehensive health tracking provides exciting potential, with major brands and emerging players closely eyeing this trend. An interesting spectrum lies ahead in wearable technology, where even the traditional dominance of smartwatches may be contested by earware.
The unveiling of Apple’s four new iPhone models sparked a surprising underwhelm in the tech community. Meanwhile, debates rose regarding China’s nimble navigation around US tech embargoes, especially regarding iPhone use. No less intriguing were the discussions around Open RAN – tech pioneers revisited this initiative with the UK’s recent efforts to regain Open RAN momentum.
Connectbase welcomes Edison Smith, a seasoned expert in high-growth disruptive tech companies, as its new VP of Sales for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, driving growth and expanding its global reach.
After President Trump asked the U.S. Commerce Department to find an agreement to save ZTE Corp., an agreement has been found. It all started when an investigation found out that ZTE was doing business with Iran and North Korea by sending U.S. products. Despite the opposition of several members of congress, mostly Democrats, but also many Republicans, that are accusing Trump of bending under Chinese pressure, ZTE will be able to trade with American companies. ZTE was banned from doing any business with the U.S. since April 15th and has lost $3 billion. ZTE will have to pay a $1.3 billion fine to the U.S. in addition to a $900 million fine they already paid last year. Part of the deal, aside from the fine, includes a change in management and will have to get parts from U.S. suppliers. The situation between ZTE and the U.S. Administration created some tensions…
