Market Watch

Nairobi, Feb 7 (IANS) A consortium of United Nations agencies on Thursday, US time, announced the shortlisting of 15 innovation hubs to spur the growth of the digital economy in Kenya while promoting equity and inclusivity. The selection of digital innovation hubs under the Digital Platforms Kenya, a three-year UN initiative, is expected to position the country as a knowledge economy hub, according to a joint statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, by the UN agencies and the Kenyan government. John Tanui, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy, said the digital innovation hubs would provide a platform to foster innovation, enterprise, and sustainable development. "Kenya’s digital innovation hubs are crucial for its economic future. Investing in them empowers youth and women with digital skills, fueling innovation and inclusive growth," Tanui said. The 15 innovation hubs were shortlisted following a call for applications in December 2024, which attracted over 50 submissions. The evaluation was based on their potential to drive digital innovation, spur entrepreneurship, and empower women and youth from Kenya’s marginalised regions. According to the UN agencies, the selected digital innovation hubs would serve as engines of innovation, training, and community empowerment, bridging […]

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As India continues to embrace digital technologies, the risk of cyberattacks looms large, threatening not only individual organisations but the startup ecosystem as a whole. India’s SME sector faces increasing cybersecurity threats, making it crucial for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity as a core aspect of their operations. (Image: freepik) By Alkesh Kumar Sharma In an era characterised by rapid digital transformation, the significance of cybersecurity has never been more pronounced. Recently, a joint statement by the United States, Japan, and South Korea highlighted the threats posed by the Lazarus Group, a North Korean cybercriminal organization known for its sophisticated attacks. This development underscores the global nature of cyber threats and their potential implications. As India continues to embrace digital technologies, the risk of cyberattacks looms large, threatening not only individual organisations but the startup ecosystem as a whole. Current cybersecurity landscape in India India has made remarkable progress in strengthening its cybersecurity framework, earning Tier-I status in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index. This achievement is a testament to the country’s dedication to creating a secure digital ecosystem. However, the statistics paint a worrisome picture: approximately 370 million malware attacks and 1 million ransomware incidents were reported in India over […]

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In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, digital transformation has emerged as a critical component for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) striving to enhance their impact and efficiency. The integration of digital technologies into organizational processes not only streamlines operations but also amplifies outreach and engagement with stakeholders. For NGOs, this transformation can mean the difference between merely surviving and thriving in an increasingly competitive environment. By adopting digital tools, organizations can improve their data management, communication strategies, and service delivery, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the communities they serve. Moreover, digital transformation enables NGOs to harness the power of data analytics, allowing them to make informed decisions based on real-time insights. This capability is particularly vital in a sector where understanding the needs of beneficiaries is paramount. For instance, NGOs can utilize digital platforms to gather feedback from the communities they serve, analyze trends, and adjust their programs accordingly. This responsiveness not only enhances program effectiveness but also builds trust and credibility with stakeholders. As such, embracing digital transformation is not merely a trend; it is an essential strategy for NGOs aiming to maximize their social impact in a digital age. Researching Funding Opportunities for Digital Transformation in Europe Identifying funding […]

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Ray Pinto tells Areti Ntaradimou why energy sector digitalisation continues to be a hot topic in Brussels. As the Senior Director for Digital Transformation Policy at DIGITALEUROPE, the trade association representing the digital transformation of Europe’s industries, it is safe to say that Ray Pinto knows a thing or two about all things digital. His primary focus is on steering digitalisation across various verticals, with particular emphasis on energy, healthcare, manufacturing, buildings and mobility. Pinto believes that these areas are intertwined and that energy is a pivotal factor in each one. I talked to him about his goal of ensuring that this transformation not only drives innovation, but also aligns with European values and strategic priorities, and ultimately creates a cohesive digital ecosystem that supports growth, sustainability, and resilience across the continent. Do you agree with the digital strategy that the EU Commission has adopted so far? Does it align with the strategic priorities for Europe and our European values? There are parts of the digital strategy where the intentions were good, but the outcomes differed. When you consider AI, cybersecurity resilience, and data protection within the single market and internationally, the goal was to create harmonisation. However, the […]

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TPXimpact Holdings PLC – Shares in TPXimpact Holdings PLC (AIM:TPX) fell over 23% to 24.85p after the digital transformation consultant warned of delays in the procurement of large customer programmes, which will result in group revenues falling for the full year to March. Trading for the three months to December, its third quarter, met management expectations in terms of profitability and margins, with approximately £30 million of new business secured, taking the nine-month total to £65 million. However, it said the first weeks of 2025 have not seen the Digital Transformation business make a return to normal trading conditions, as it had anticipated. "Macroeconomic conditions and the post-election budgetary issues highlighted by the incoming government, despite significant appetite for digital transformation, have led to delays in the procurement of large digital transformation programmes with tender and award decisions moving by many months," TPX said. "In addition, spending controls implemented after the October budget have had the effect of slowing the ramp-up of new business wins and the rate at which the won backlog on some central government programmes can be expended." Chancellor Rachel Reeves also pushed back the government’s comprehensive spending review, which sets out departmental budgets for the […]

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Lee logo Davenport-based newspaper publisher Lee Enterprises touted its growing digital revenues in its preliminary first quarter fiscal 2025 financial results report. Those results, for the period that ended Dec. 29, were reported Thursday, Jan. 6. The report states the newspaper publisher’s total digital revenue increased by 5% year over year, and its digital-only subscription revenue increased 14%. However, it also shows print revenues continue to fall. Its total print revenues fell 16% year over year. Print advertising revenue fell 19% and print subscription revenues fell 11%. Also, Kevin Mowbray, Lee’s president and chief executive officer, said the company plans to make $40 million in cost cuts by the end of the second quarter. He did not offer any details on those planned cost cuts. In the Quad Cities region, Lee is the publisher of the Quad-City Times, Rock Island Argus and Dispatch and Muscatine Journal newspapers. It publishes more than 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 73 markets in 26 U.S. states. “Our first quarter results demonstrate the continued progression of our digital transformation. We achieved over $300 million in total digital revenue over the last twelve months, including over $100 million in Amplified Digital Agency revenue,” said […]

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The steady and rapid maturation of PLM and its various software solutions promises to improve digital transformation’s track record. PLM’s maturation is currently being demonstrated by offering better insights into the data being evaluated, providing a better grasp and management of new processes being implemented, and making it easier for people to trust in the ultimate benefits of digital transformation. I expect effective, enterprise-spanning collaboration to be front and center. Without that, no new product (or service or system) will succeed in the marketplace and/or with its users … or even get to market in the first place. This points to the criticality of people in digital transformation and why people are cited as a major cause of many digital transformation failures. These failures, estimated at three-fourths of all digital transformation projects, are inevitable. As long as users and managers don’t understand Digital Transformation, they will not accept it and may even actively resist it. In what I see as a corollary to Murphy’s Law (the idea that “anything that can go wrong will”) when digital transformation efforts fail too often, they will stoke all-too-real fears that lead people to thwart further efforts. There is nothing mysterious about digital […]

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When done right, data protection is not a barrier—it is the foundation for a better use of data for development. © Shutterstock Imagine applying for a government benefit online, only to discover that your personal information—such as your ID number, medical history, or financial records—has been exposed due to a security breach. Suddenly, your most sensitive data is vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. Governments worldwide face increasing threats to public sector digital services, where a single breach can compromise millions of citizens. Digitalization is reshaping economies worldwide, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and better access to public and private services. As we push forward to bridge the digital divide—the gap between those with access to digital technology and those without—we must also bridge the trust gap. Digital progress should empower, not intimidate. The Global Momentum for Data Protection The adoption of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2016 set off a global wave of privacy reforms—the so-called "Brussels effect," where EU regulations influence global standards. This prompted countries around the world to strengthen their data protection frameworks. In 2021, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported that 137 nations had implemented some form […]

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From streamlining systems to embracing AI, discover how Robert Knight is driving Covia’s digital transformation after returning home to Northeast Ohio. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / February 6, 2025 / Covia is proud to recognize the critical impact our team members make, both through their work and their dedication to their communities. Today, we spotlight Robert Knight, Director of Enterprise Applications and IT Architecture, whose leadership in technology implementation and optimization has helped position Covia for future growth and innovation. From Code to Covia: A Journey Back Home With 35 years of IT experience, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at Covia. His journey began as a COBOL programmer at a hardwood lumber company, where he gained comprehensive IT experience in a small department. His career path led him through diverse industries, managing IT operations for a men’s fashion company before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, to join an automotive parts company. Robert spent 12 years in the Peach State, but a desire to move back to be closer to family meant it was time to head back to Northeast Ohio. "Our family made the decision to move back to Cleveland, leaving Atlanta to return to […]

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MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Lenovo has been named a Leader in the 2024 Digital Workplace Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment for Mid-Market Enterprises by Everest Group. This recognition reflects Lenovo’s innovative, customer-centric digital workplace solutions that empower mid-market enterprises to effectively navigate current-day business challenges. Empowering Mid-Market Enterprises with Lenovo’s Digital Workplace Solutions As businesses face increasing demands for cost-efficiency and operational agility, Lenovo’s Digital Workplace Solutions stand out for their ability to deliver personalized, scalable, and impactful results. Leveraging its proprietary Care of One™ platform , Lenovo delivers tailored experiences that enhance employee productivity, streamline IT operations, and reduce costs. Care of One™ Benefits Enhances user experience by up to 30% Reduces end-user support costs by 30% Helps resolve 40% of issues proactively through Gen AI-powered insights Through Care of One™, Lenovo enables hyper-personalized workplace experiences, combining managed and professional services with Gen AI-powered tools to meet the evolving needs of modern workforces. By incorporating Lenovo TruScale’s as-a-service provisioning, organizations can seamlessly align their technology investments with business growth. Everest Group’s Framework for Evaluation Everest Group’s analysis recognized Lenovo’s strengths across three critical dimensions: Market Impact: Proven success in driving measurable business outcomes for mid-market enterprises Vision and Capability: Leadership […]

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