Global Scans · Organizations · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEW?: Moves away from traditional, hierarchical, full-time structures towards a gig and shared economy continue apace. New models of virtual working and work anywhere, anytime for anybody are likely to grow dramatically in the coming years.

• [New] 86% of surveyed employers expect AI and information-processing technologies to transform their business operations by 2030, far more than robotics, automation or energy technologies. The Manila Times
• [New] Jobs are being created, displaced and transformed at the same time, producing a year marked by both opportunity and anxiety for workers, employers and policymakers - particularly in developing economies such as the Philippines and much of Southeast Asia. The Manila Times
• [New] Firms equipped with AI-driven analytics will be able to adjust their international trade strategies more quickly, gaining competitive advantages in a volatile global economy. TradingView
• [New] Leaders from tech giants like Google and Anthropic have expressed optimism about the potential of AI to boost productivity, even amid studies showing varied results across different environments. OpenTools
• [New] A report from the World Economic Forum adjudicates that 40% of employers anticipate workforce reductions where tasks can be automated by AI. RS Web Solutions
• [New] In 2026, organizations face a dual challenge: a growing talent crisis inside their own walls and increased pressure to use AI responsibly. City AM
• [New] Impact: In 2026, organizations using self-healing AI have reported an 85% reduction in test maintenance time. TechBullion
• [New] With the help of AI agents, asset management organizations have an opportunity to automate many of the processes around the finance function, including the financial close as well as AR, AP, invoice reconciliation and the like. FinTech Magazine Article
• [New] Productivity gains are materializing but remain measured, with current estimates suggesting AI could increase annual US labour productivity growth by 0.3% to 1.8% over the next decade, depending on adoption rates and methodology. Roic AI
• [New] The AI and cloud engines, centered on Azure growth near 39%, the OpenAI stake that could be worth roughly $225 B at targeted valuations, and the diversified portfolio of productivity, Windows and gaming create a combination of resilience and upside that most peers cannot replicate. investing.com
• [New] As the pressure to cut costs increases, workforce decisions need to be driven less by efficiency targets and more by where AI will truly change critical workflows and reshape competition over the next five years. Jump
• [New] Over the last year, KPMG member firms have supported some of the world's largest organizations to help unlock the potential for AI to deliver growth and competitive advantage. KPMG
• [New] 2026 will be the year businesses, consumers, and regulators alike see the real impact of the infrastructure built in the past 12 months. FinExtra
• [New] As the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (OPEC +) phases out its earlier production cuts, the recovery in oil output in 2026, along with continued growth in non-oil GDP, is likely to support Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies. Middle East Institute
• [New] AI as a Catalyst for Trade Efficiency AI has the potential to revolutionize global trade by optimizing supply chains, reducing costs, and improving decision-making. TradingView
• [New] Through collaborative marketing efforts and tourism promotion, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will strengthen their positions as must-visit destinations in Central Asia. Travel And Tour World
• [New] At CES 2026, TechForce will present its full suite of proprietary robotics technologies, including newly developed platforms designed to increase operational efficiency, improve service speed, and drive incremental revenue for enterprise and multi-location customers. GlobeNewswire
• [New] Some eight years after the Office for Tax Simplification first recommended the modernization and digitization of Stamp Duty, the UK government has announced that it will introduce legislation which will enable HM Treasury the power to make changes to Stamp Duty and SDRT legislation. JD Supra
• [New] A significant portion of organizations lack defined AI vulnerability processes, incident-response playbooks or resilience plans. The AI Journal
• [New] The coming year will demand that organizations move from reactive security postures to proactive, intelligence-driven resilience, where cyber strategy, operational continuity, and geopolitical awareness are deeply intertwined. The AI Journal
• [New] In 2026 and beyond, agents must transition from cool demos into true business partners. Techzine Global

Last updated: 29 December 2025