Global Scans · Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

• [New] There's about a 25-30% chance that by 2030 there will be an intelligence explosion and at least the beginnings of an industrial explosion. Longitudinal Expert AI Panel
• [New] Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is the single biggest force behind industrial sand demand right now. Futurism
• [New] Using global magnetic information, the PINNBARDS framework offers the potential for substantially longer forecast lead times, which is critical for safeguarding satellites, communications infrastructure and future human space exploration. Mirage News
• [New] In 2026, Kasmi expects gradual integration of humanoid and autonomous systems in controlled environments such as logistics hubs, industrial sites and disaster zones. Khaleej Times
• [New] The Proptech industry is anticipated to grow by a CAGR of 11.2% between 2026 and 2034. Facts and Factors
• [New] As the Middle East accelerates digital transformation across smart cities, fintech, AI, and critical infrastructure, cybersecurity risk is rising at an unprecedented pace. Khaleej Times
• [New] If Google can combine foundation models, developer platforms, and robotics software distribution, it could accelerate adoption in industrial settings where automation ROI is measurable. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] By 2040, Renewable Energy Sources are projected to generate about 84% of global electricity, supply about 65% of household heating, and provide about 38% of industrial heating. Bayelsa Watch
• [New] Repsol will install its second 100 MW renewable hydrogen electrolyser at the Petronor refinery near Bilbao, investing EUR 292 million to produce up to 15,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year mainly for industrial use. Ipieca
• [New] South Korea's auto giants see share prices soar after announcing major AI infrastructure plans, but tariff threats from the U.S. cast a shadow over future prospects. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] ENISA highlighted a sharp rise in deepfake-related cyber threats that targeted critical infrastructure and electoral processes. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The extensive aviation infrastructure and mature logistics operations across North America create substantial opportunities for eVTOL integration, leveraging established facilities, customer relationships, and operational expertise, accelerating commercialization timelines. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Egypt plans a USD4bn investment to develop six refineries, signalling a move to expand energy processing capacity and boost industrial output. Nasser Saidi & Associates
• [New] The nation that controls the industrial foundation of artificial intelligence will lead the century. Medill on the Hill
• [New] The Global Threat Report makes clear that as innovation accelerates, adversary exploitation follows. crowdstrike.com
• [New] Spending on AI is forecast to skyrocket to $2.5 trillion in 2026, dwarfing even the largest scientific and infrastructure projects. Al Jazeera
• [New] The Automotive Robotics industry is expected to expand lucratively to an estimated value of US$ 22.49 Billion by 2033, from US$ 8.88 Billion in 2024. Yahoo Finance
• [New] As geopolitical competition intensifies and policy frameworks evolve, 2026 will push the United States to sustain its leadership in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation amid growing alliances and accelerating competition in artificial intelligence, quantum, and advanced manufacturing. Semiconductor Engineering
• [New] Trilateral pilot projects, which are small, focused, and commercially viable, could be an initial practical move to link Canadian SMEs, Japanese primes, and U.S. integrators under frameworks like PIPIR, the U.S.-Japan Global Innovation Challenge, and targeted DIANA thematic challenges. Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
• [New] The RearmEU proposal, rebranded as Readiness 2030, is the EU's flagship, €800 billion-scale plan to boost defence spending, pool procurement, improve rapid deployment capabilities, solidify an industrial base for European defence companies, and to support Ukraine. Deutsche Welle
• [New] By 2026, global SaaS revenue is projected to surpass $700 billion - growing faster than almost every other segment of the tech industry. Acuity Software Services Pvt. Ltd.
• [New] Over the next 5-10 years, additive manufacturing will increasingly become a core component of global manufacturing infrastructure, integrated alongside traditional processes rather than positioned as a disruptive alternative. 3D Printing Industry

Last updated: 01 March 2026