Experts Talk

Influencer marketing is no longer just for consumer brands. In a report titled Influencing Business: The Global Rise of B2B Influencer Marketing, Ogilvy estimates that the global market size has expanded over 20 times since 2016! And with the creator economy projected to reach $500 billion by 2027, businesses are taking note. Social platforms…

As one of the busiest ports in the United States continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, the ripple effects on global supply chains are profound and widespread. The tragic incident not only disrupted local operations but has also spotlighted vulnerabilities in supply chain resilience globally.  The bridge,…

In addition to the financial markets teetering on the edge of uncertainty, the release of March’s Producer Price Index (PPI) numbers has stirred a mix of curiosity and concern. Coming off a February report that saw wholesale costs spike to its highest rate in five months, this latest update has financial analysts and economists…

The battle to reign in the economy continues in 2024. Inflation continues to be top of mind as the first Consumer Price Index (CPI) report of 2024 was released this month. According to the report, Americans experienced a 3.4% increase in the cost of living compared to the beginning of 2023. The numbers…

As facilities departments grapple with the urgent need to decarbonize buildings—a sector responsible for 37% of global CO2 emissions—the convergence of digital technology and strategic retrofitting emerges as a pivotal pathway. Integrating Schneider Electric’s technology-first approach with ASHRAE’s latest ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 100-2024 for existing buildings underscores a holistic strategy to meet science-based climate targets….

As we navigate the evolving landscape of K-12 education, the role of technology, as well as K-12 edtech leadership has never been more pivotal. Especially in the era of K-12 education post-pandemic, how has this influx of technology solutions for everything from curriculum management, to hybrid learning, to quiz gamification, to AI-supported learning, impacted…

Chronic absenteeism in U.S. schools has notably increased, with about 14.7 million students, or 29.7%, missing at least 10% of their school days during the 2021-2022 academic year, a significant rise from pre-pandemic levels. This issue, impacting student learning and performance, stems from a variety of causes including transportation issues and personal circumstances. To…

The power grid is in for an exciting era of improvement as it embraces Industry 4.0 and mass digitalization. That doesn’t mean modernization isn’t a tough ride. As the grid grapples with blackouts and shut-offs, one thing is clear: The U.S. needs to modernize its aging grid and embrace technologies that make better use…

If the expected surge in power demand is anything to go by, the U.S. power grid could be in trouble. Fueled by clean energy projects and a massive shift towards electric vehicles by 2030, it’s clear the grid could face major strain — and even blackouts. Unfortunately, the U.S. has already faced such disasters:…

As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and energy security, nuclear energy emerges as a pivotal solution, sparking a global dialogue on its accelerated adoption and the development of innovative, safe infrastructure. Amidst increasing environmental concerns and the quest for energy independence, countries and companies worldwide are making strategic commitments…

Grocery chain Aldi recently announced plans to add 800 new stores in the U.S. within five years, focusing on the Northeast, Midwest, western U.S., and Southern California, with a debut in Las Vegas. In the Southeast, Aldi’s massive expansion plans include converting a whopping 400 Winn-Dixies and Harveys locations into Aldi stores, starting with about…

The QSR (quick service restaurant) industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by AI and robotics automation advancements. Among those leading the charge, Domino’s Pizza is launching its own strategy for evolving its operations and customer service ecosystem to take advantage of robotics, AI-powered software, and more proactive tools that elevate the Domino’s experience….

Retail healthcare is an uncertain slice of the U.S. healthcare industry, being defined by both recent strategic retreats and bold expansions which have sparked crucial discussions about the future of primary care services within the retail sector. The most recent news that shocked the industry was the shuttering of Walmart Health, Walmart’s 51 health…

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the intersection of AI and value-based care has emerged as a pivotal strategy to enhance patient outcomes, reduce costs, and support healthcare professionals. This approach, emphasizing the quadruple aim of better access, lower costs, higher quality, and workforce support, is increasingly relevant in today’s high-stress healthcare environments. Geoffrey…

Recent cyberattacks on healthcare institutions have thrust cybersecurity from a back-office concern to the forefront of the healthcare industry’s agenda. A significant breach at Change Healthcare disrupted essential services, underlining the vulnerability of healthcare networks to such threats and the dire consequences for patient care. Government and industry responses have stressed the importance of…

The healthcare landscape is transforming, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role in advancing value-based care in 2024. Precision medicine, a cornerstone of VBC (value-based care), is being scaled up through innovative technologies, enabling healthcare delivery organizations to provide more individualized care by analyzing detailed aspects of a person’s health and environment. Despite…

As the hospitality industry anticipates AAHOACON 2024, a pivotal gathering, hotel owners and operators find themselves on the cusp of transformative change. The industry, Having weathered the storm of pandemic-driven shifts, faces a landscape dotted with daunting challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Innovations in technology, shifting market dynamics, and evolving consumer expectations are sculpting a…

The hospitality industry is on the brink of transformation as it faces 2024 and technology is going to be a major factor in that change. Last year’s challenges, including the muted growth in the U.S. hotel market, have paved the way for innovative strategies to enhance hotel performance. Where did 2023 leave the hospitality…

As cities globally accelerate their transformation into “smart cities,” the integration of a capable computing ecosystem to complement smart city initiatives has become an important part of smart city success. How critical will edge computing be in that ecosystem, and in the facilitation of today’s and tomorrow’s smart city projects, especially with where smart…

How is technology transforming to meet the future of smart cities head-on? Helsinki, Riyadh, and Shanghai offer a glimpse into this evolution, each adopting unique strategies powered by cutting-edge technology. Helsinki’s smart city blueprint intertwines technological innovation with societal and environmental objectives, creating a hub for collaborative innovation. Riyadh’s ambitious project, a partnership between…

Spatial computing, Wi-FI, and other technology advancements are bringing the promise of connected living to new and exciting possibilities. Smart cities are becoming a reality in urban development, driven by technologies like 5G, AI, IoT, and blockchain. These advancements promise to transform urban living into greener, more efficient, and inclusive spaces, addressing challenges like…

The aging U.S. power grid is grappling with surging power demand. More industries are digitalizing and in turn adding layers of service, infrastructure, and data analytics relying on heavy electricity generation; it’s clear the U.S. power grid is in for a tough ride. Even just looking at the adoption of consumer and commercial electrical…

Apple Vision Pro, the latest entrant in the mixed-reality headset market, has quickly become a focal point for developers and users, boasting over 1,000 apps designed to harness its unique spatial computing capabilities. Despite its hefty price tag of $3,499, reviews of the device hail it as the best mixed-reality headset available, albeit a…

After a somewhat disappointing 2023 in the Pro AV industry, look for several AV market verticals to lead the way to a successful 2024. In a recent report by AVIXA, the Pro AV Sales Index (AVI-S) for December 2023 showed a promising increase, ending the year at 60.4, a figure close to the previous…