EIB updates on digital transformation projects in Western Balkans (Exclusive)

EIB updates on digital transformation projects in Western Balkans (Exclusive)

Photo: EIB BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 4. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is actively aligning its projects in the Western Balkans with EU policies, aiming to deliver smarter transportation, a cleaner environment, and modern education while fostering job creation, said Damien Sorrell, Head of the Regional Hub for the Western Balkans at EIB Global, in an interview with Trend . "With over 11 billion euros invested since 2010, we have translated EU values and standards into our projects, ensuring long-term, tangible benefits for the people," Sorrell stated. "These efforts also help countries adopt and align with EU standards even before accession, as well as improve governance". Sorrell highlighted the role of the EU’s Growth Plan in accelerating these efforts. "The rollout of the Growth Plan will enhance our work, primarily through reform agendas that countries need to implement as a precondition for accessing the envisaged 6 billion euro financial package," he noted. EIB Global is prepared to support projects in key sectors, including transport, energy, digitalisation, and human capital development. Digital transformation remains central to the region’s economic growth. Since 2020, EIB Global has invested 200 million euros in enhancing digital infrastructure and skills, supporting projects such as the introduction […]

Alexis Nasard on transforming Swarovski into a modern ‘pop’ luxury brand

Alexis Nasard on transforming Swarovski into a modern ‘pop’ luxury brand

The Interview Business strategy 30 December 2024 • by Stéphane J. G. Girod in The Interview At Swarovski, CEO Alexis Nasard’s leadership is a master class in how to establish brand attractiveness and provide clarity. He has maintained Swarovski’s relevance, freshness, and solid position as a contemporary luxury… Chief Executive Officer Alexis Nasard’s leadership at Swarovski is a masterclass in how to bring clarity and build brand desirability. By structuring product categories to occupy empty spaces in the market, doubling down on the added value of color and glamour, and reimagining customer experiences, he has kept Swarovski fresh, relevant, and firmly positioned as a modern luxury brand. Alexis Nasard is no stranger to leadership. With over 30 years at industry giants like Procter & Gamble, HEINEKEN, Bata, and Kantar, he brought a wealth of experience to Swarovski. In just two years, he has steered the brand to a remarkable turnaround in 2023, outpacing the jewelry market and defying the luxury slowdown. “For the last three years, we have been significantly outgrowing the jewelry market,” said Nasard – and it shows. Nasard led Swarovski back to profitability, reporting €1.83bn ($1.92bn) in 2023 revenues with growth across all business lines. Under […]

Digital transformation goals for South Asia in 2025

Digital transformation goals for South Asia in 2025

That the South Asian region, housing one-fifth of humanity, is transforming digitally – politically, socially and economically – is an understatement. With a combined population of over two billion, the region has over 1.4 billion Internet users – the largest wired bloc in the world. Over a billion registered voters in three countries from the region – India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – elected new governments after elections in 2024. Bangladesh, another digital powerhouse of the region also replaced a government albeit in a student-led revolt, not elections. The political reset in all these countries was characterized by a wave of democracy that is thoroughly digital now with technology playing a pivotal role in shaping both the electoral outcomes and the quality of democracy. This included digital campaigning with political parties leveraging social media with more than 600 million users in these countries and AI-driven political algorithms. Digital technology also facilitated voter registration and amplified information dissemination with mobile apps and online platforms encouraging citizen participation, enhancing the democratic process. Voter turnout was high in all three countries. Transparency and accountability were bolstered as big data analytics helped dissect voting patterns, identifying trends and correlations. Some parties were able […]

Manmohan Singh leaves lasting impact on India’s digital transformation

Manmohan Singh leaves lasting impact on India’s digital transformation

Former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh (Photo/File) Dr. Manmohan Singh , renowned for his instrumental role in economic liberalisation, also left an indelible mark on India’s technological and e-governance landscape during his tenure as Prime Minister (2004–2014). His government’s initiatives laid the foundation for transformative programmes such as the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) and Aadhaar, which have since become cornerstones of India’s digital infrastructure. National e-Governance Plan (NeGP): Launched in 2006, the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) was a flagship initiative under Dr. Singh’s leadership, aiming to make government services accessible to citizens through digital means. The initiative leveraged significant efforts undertaken by the previous Vajpayee government and consolidated them into structured frameworks, extending e-governance beyond the central government to various state governments. Key elements included: Mission Mode Projects (MMPs): NeGP identified 27 MMPs focusing on critical areas such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and financial services. These projects digitised processes, reduced bureaucratic inefficiencies, and enhanced service delivery. Common Service Centres (CSCs): Initially conceptualised and launched under the leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, over 100,000 CSCs were further expanded during Dr. Singh’s tenure, enabling citizens to access services such as land records, certificates, and payment of utility bills. Public-Private […]

IT stock jumps 4% after winning digital transformation order from Indocool Composites

IT stock jumps 4% after winning digital transformation order from Indocool Composites

Shares of this micro-cap company specializing in computer hardware and software solutions rose 1.5 percent on Friday after securing a digital transformation contract with Indocool Composites Pvt. Ltd to implement GROW with SAP- proven solutions that are built on best practices, ensuring sustainable growth and success. Price Action During Friday’s trading session, ROX Hi-Tech Ltd’s share price reached an intra-day high of Rs.99.95 per share on Friday, rising 3.5 percent from its previous close of Rs.96.55 per share. What happened ROX Hi-Tech Limited has secured a significant contract with Indocool Composites Pvt. Ltd. to implement GROW with SAP, a solution designed to drive sustainable growth through best practices. The company sought a scalable and integrated solution to address limitations in its current system. GROW with SAP, covering key processes like Finance, Procurement, Sales, and Manufacturing, will streamline operations and improve efficiency using SAP’s cloud technology. ROX Hi-Tech will serve as the implementation partner for this digital transformation. Management Commentary Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Jim Rakesh, Managing Director of ROX Hi-Tech Limited, stated, “ We are honored to partner with our client on their transformative journey towards digital excellence. By implementing GROW with SAP, we aim to empower their […]

Horizon Media Holdings Appoints Tech Visionary and Industry Powerhouse Bob Lord as Its First President

Horizon Media Holdings Appoints Tech Visionary and Industry Powerhouse Bob Lord as Its First President

Computer Software: Programming Data Processing Technology – Newly Created Role Underscores Horizon’s Focus on Enterprise Innovation, Technology Transformation, and Client-Centered Growth – NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Horizon Media Holdings, the parent company of Horizon Media, today announced the appointment of Bob Lord as President. With a career spanning more than three decades at the intersection of marketing, media, and technology, Lord’s leadership and expertise in digital transformation and innovation will help drive the next phase of growth for Horizon Media Holdings – meeting client demand and creating transformative value for clients across its portfolio. The newly created role will report to Horizon’s CEO and founder, Bill Koenigsberg. Bill Koenigsberg, Horizon CEO and Founder Horizon Media Holdings, the privately-held umbrella organization that includes Horizon Media – the world’s largest independent media agency – also houses affiliate agencies including Horizon Next (full-service marketing); Night Market (commerce); One Horizon (full-service advertising); HS&E (sports and experiential) Blue Hour Studios (social agency); First Tube (moments marketing); 305 (multicultural); and Green Thread (B2B marketing). As President, Lord will oversee the development and alignment of the company’s diversified businesses across each of its offices, integrating advanced technologies, data accessibility, and innovative solutions to […]

Diriyah Company accelerates digital transformation with SAP cloud solutions

Diriyah Company accelerates digital transformation with SAP cloud solutions

Diriyah Company embraces digital transformation with SAP cloud solutions Diriyah Company, the master developer behind Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Diriyah project, has taken a significant step forward in its digital transformation journey with the successful deployment of SAP Private Cloud Solutions. This cutting-edge initiative is set to streamline operations and enhance services for visitors, residents, employees, and partners across the 14-square-kilometre cultural and lifestyle destination. As one of the largest urban development projects in the kingdom, Diriyah’s adoption of SAP solutions provides a 360-degree operational overview, automating processes and enabling agile, data-driven decision-making. The deployment is part of the company’s strategy to future-proof its technological infrastructure while maintaining flexibility and scalability to support the project’s growing demands. The SAP-powered transformation includes the implementation of the SAP ERP Private Cloud Solution, designed to securely migrate core business processes to the cloud. Real estate-specific modules have been integrated to address industry-specific needs, while SAP SuccessFactors enhances human resource management capabilities. Additionally, SAP Ariba has been deployed to revolutionise procurement operations, and the SAP Business Technology Platform has been introduced to improve data management, application development, and automation processes. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company , highlighted the strategic importance of the […]

Kimberly-Clark expands Bengaluru GDTC, fuels digital transformation

Kimberly-Clark expands Bengaluru GDTC, fuels digital transformation

Kimberly-Clark’s Digital Technology global leadership team and India GDTC team in Bengaluru. Pic:PR Newswire Insights Kimberly-Clark’s Bengaluru Global Digital Technology Center (GDTC) has grown eightfold since 2018, driving advancements in AI, ML, and digital innovation. Key achievements include AI-powered platforms like Maestro, saving $20 million globally, and Procuree 3.0, enhancing procurement. GDTC fosters talent, collaboration, and innovation, shaping Kimberly-Clark’s digital future. Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in essential personal and family care products, continues to increase its commitment to India through its Global Digital Technology Center (GDTC) in Bengaluru. Established in 2018 with an initial investment of $2.5 million, the Bengaluru GDTC has seen remarkable growth, expanding its size by eight times in just five years. The center focuses on key areas and digital capabilities such as Data and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) including Generative AI, Machine Learning (ML), Cloud Transformation, Global Digital Operations & Automation, Digital Sales and Marketing, and Digital Supply Chain – all of which help drive efficiencies and improve customer experiences. Over the next three years, the GDTC plans to continue its expansion, focusing on advancing AI/ML capabilities and developing innovative digital solutions to boost operational efficiency and customer engagement. These capabilities further enhance Kimberly-Clark’s ability […]

Two-Wheeler Insurance Market Report and Global Forecasts 2024-2032: Innovative Insurance Solutions Propel Growth Amidst Digital Transformation, Rising Demand Driven by Enhanced Consumer Awareness

Two-Wheeler Insurance Market Report and Global Forecasts 2024-2032: Innovative Insurance Solutions Propel Growth Amidst Digital Transformation, Rising Demand Driven by Enhanced Consumer Awareness

Dublin, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The "Two-Wheeler Insurance Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. Two-wheeler insurance market size reached a value of USD 115.30 billion in 2023. Aided by the increasing sales of two-wheelers and the growing need for financial protection against potential risks, the market is projected to further grow at a CAGR of 7.1% between 2024 and 2032 to reach a value of USD 214.04 billion by 2032. Two-wheeler insurance provides financial protection against physical damage and bodily injuries resulting from traffic collisions, theft, and other liabilities. This insurance is crucial for motorcycle and scooter owners, offering coverage for third-party liabilities and comprehensive protection for the insured vehicle. The policies typically cover various types of risks, including accidents, natural disasters, and theft, ensuring the financial security of two-wheeler owners. The increasing sales of two-wheelers, driven by their affordability, fuel efficiency, and convenience in navigating urban traffic, are propelling the global two-wheeler insurance market growth. With the rising number of two-wheeler owners, there has been a significant surge in the demand for insurance policies to safeguard against potential risks. Additionally, the growing awareness of the importance of insurance coverage and […]

Kenvue India’s Shipra Saraf shares three priorities for HR leaders in 2025

Kenvue India’s Shipra Saraf shares three priorities for HR leaders in 2025

Business Kenvue India’s HR head shares tips on creating a more agile, supportive, and inclusive work environment for a future-ready workforce. To navigate a rapidly evolving workplace landscape, Shipra Saraf, HR Head, India at Kenvue , suggests prioritise embracing digital transformation and HR technology, enhancing employee experience and well-being, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in 2025. Shipra says that by focusing on these priorities, HR leaders will be better equipped to create a more agile, supportive, and inclusive work environment for a future-ready workforce. Here are the top three focus areas for HR leaders suggested by Kenvue India’s HR head: Also Read: HR 2.0 – Future proofing strategies in the age of digital transformation 1. Embracing Digital Transformation and HR Technology Automation and AI Integration: Shipra suggests that HR leaders will prioritise integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to streamline HR processes. Investing in state-of-the-art HRMS and other digital tools to automate repetitive tasks, and improve efficiency and employee experience will be essential. Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data analytics to gain insights into the workforce and make informed decisions will be crucial. Skill Development: Ensuring HR teams stay updated with the latest technological tools […]