Technology

Nature has always been a primary source of inspiration for our ideas and innovations. From a poem contemplating the beauty of autumn to a 16th-century visionary who drew the first plans for human flight from birdwatching, we have always looked to nature for guidance. The deliberate use of nature for technological advice on many of the challenges we face is gaining increasing attention. From mimicking bee communication for better building energy management to emulating whale fins for robust wind turbine efficiency, more and more companies and researchers are turning to nature not as a reserve of potential resources to be exploited but as the oldest R&D lab, harnessing the power of 3.8 billion years of nature's proven designs and solutions. Bioinspired Innovation Principles Bioinspired innovation is a technological approach that draws inspiration from nature to solve human design challenges. This approach preserves nature as an experienced engineer and a genius problem solver. It involves learning from and emulating nature's forms, processes, and ecosystems. There are several techniques and methodologies for embracing the bioinspired design approach. One of the key bioinspired design approaches is biomimicry, which emphasizes replicating living systems' solutions for specific functional challenges. Other approaches include bio-morphism, involving designs visually resembling natural elements, and bio-utilization, involving the integration of biological materials or living organisms in design and technology. These are the key principles that are currently steering the transformative wave toward bioinspired innovation. A Global Shift Toward Bioinspired Innovation Governments as well as the private sector are at the forefront of the shift towards bioinspired innovation. They are actively directing considerable funding and establishing several R&D centers to foster the integration of solutions inspired by nature. For example, the Pentagon's research and funding arm, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has provided significant financial support for biomimicry research in the United States. This includes a $4 million contribution to AeroVironment for the development of a hummingbird-like aircraft prototype. In addition, Germany has over 100 public research institutions conducting biomimicry-related R&D projects. These networks have received a cumulative investment exceeding 120 million euros since 2001. France has also considered biomimicry as a key innovation area in its announced national ecological transition strategy. In 2014, it established CEEBIOS, a leading research center in biomimicry that aims to catalyze bioinspired and sustainable innovation. Several other countries are adopting comparable strategies. For instance, South Korea has the world's second-largest number of biomimicry technology patents, after the United States. South Korea estimates that biomimicry development will generate an economic value of around USD 62 billion and 650,000 jobs by 2035. This is projected to grow to $382 billion and create 2 million new jobs by 2050. Accordingly, biomimicry patents, scholarly articles, and research grants have expanded by more than 5 times since 2000. The number of scientific publications addressing bioinspired topics has steadily increased, with over 22,000 articles published between 2017 and 2019. Corporate Embrace of Biomimicry The private sector is also tapping into the power of nature, as many major corporations are actively exploring biomimetic solutions to address their business challenges. For example, in 2015, Ford collaborated with P&G and The Biomimicry Institute to improve adhesives and increase the recyclability of auto parts by studying the gecko’s sticky toe pads. Also, Unilever took inspiration from the Ice Structuring Protein (ISP), which allows fish to survive in freezing water, to create a healthier ice cream that doesn’t melt easily. As numerous biomimicry concepts have already demonstrated their market viability, more businesses are working to embed bioinspired concepts and approaches into their design processes. Real-World Business Applications Bioinspired solutions have led to many breakthroughs in various fields, from architecture to automotive. Nature-inspired concepts, designs, and models have proven to be a vital approach to solving our most challenging problems. Below are some of the real-world business applications for bioinspired solutions: Bullet Train - Beak of the kingfisher Japan is famous for its high-speed trains, which can reach speeds of up to 320 km per hour. However, traveling through tunnels at this speed can cause air pressure to build up, resulting in a sonic boom every time the train exits a tunnel. This can affect people living up to 25 km away. To address this, engineers took inspiration from the kingfisher bird's beak and its ability to smoothly transition between air and water. They designed a quieter train model that reduces noise, increases speed by 10%, and decreases electricity consumption by 15%. Swarm Logic technology - Honey bee communication Encycle, a technology company, has developed a building management system that mimics the communication system of bee colonies. This allows equipment and systems, such as HVAC, to integrate and operate more efficiently in response to changing conditions, such as outdoor temperature and building occupancy. As of November 2023, the swarm logic system has reported 135 million KWh in consumption savings and more than $19 million in energy cost savings at US sites alone. Kalundborg Eco-Industrial Park, Denmark - symbiosis The Kalundborg symbiosis is a pioneering example of industrial symbiosis. It mimics the beneficial interactions between various species within an ecosystem. Neighboring industrial facilities exchange resources and energy by-products, transforming one plant's waste into feedstock for others. The symbiosis has been operating for almost six decades and has proven to be a great success. It saves 3.6 million m³ of groundwater, 586,000 tonnes of CO₂, and recycles 62,000 tonnes of residual materials annually. Additionally, it contributes to annual bottom-line savings of 24 million euros. Eastgate Centre Building, Zimbabwe - mound-building termites The Eastgate Center uses techniques inspired by termite architecture to create a self-cooling system. This system requires 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to similar-sized buildings. Additionally, the ventilation system used by the Eastgate Center costs only a fraction of traditional air conditioning systems. These are just a few examples of the many available applications for bioinspired solutions that are currently being tested and implemented. These applications are actively shaping our economy and driving innovation across various industries. Outlook A 2013 study by the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute (FBEI) estimated that bioinspiration could generate a total global output of $1.6 trillion by 2030. An additional $0.5 trillion could be generated from resources and pollution reduction. The study also estimated that bioinspiration would contribute $425 billion to the US GDP by 2030. Moreover, a recent study by BCG predicts that nature co-design will impact over $30 trillion in economic activity in the next 30 years, which is about 40% of the current global GDP. These figures highlight the significant potential for bioinspired innovation. As more businesses integrate these approaches and technologies into their internal processes, innovations and concepts will continue to emerge. Conclusion In conclusion, the intersection between biology and technology plays a crucial role in shaping the future of industries. Biomimicry and other nature-inspired concepts have demonstrated their capacity to provide diverse solutions and innovations. Moreover, given the unprecedented challenges facing our world today, it has been essential to redefine our relationship with nature. This will foster change and accelerate the shift towards bioinspired solutions. Nature has always ignited our imagination and creativity, and we have only begun to scratch the surface of its wisdom. Sources https://www.encycle.com/swarm-logic/https://www.technologyreview.com/2008/03/06/221447/whale-inspired-wind-turbines/https://biomimicry.org/what-is-biomimicry/https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-what-is-biomimicry-definition-examples/https://www.santander.com/content/dam/santander-com/es/contenido-paginas/landing-pages/santander-x-xperts/do-xperts-Whitepaper-Biomimesis-en.pdfhttps://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/working-paper-375-Lebdioui.pdfhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccabagley/2014/04/15/biomimicry-how-nature-can-streamline-your-business-for-innovation/?sh=14c440284380https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/10/20/ford-to-seek-solutions-by-mimicking-nature.htmlhttps://biomimicry.org/looking-gecko-answers-ford-partners-biomimicry-institute/https://www.encycle.com/swarm-logic/https://stateofgreen.com/en/solution-providers/kalundborg-symbiosis/#:~:text=In%20Kalundborg%20Symbiosis%2C%20the%20city's,resources%20adds%20value%20to%20another.https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/en/good-practices/kalundborg-symbiosis-six-decades-circular-approach-productionhttps://www.arup.com/projects/eastgatehttps://www.pwc.com.au/digitalpulse/biomimicry-digital-innovation.htmlhttps://cnnespanol.cnn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/bioreport13.final.sm.pdfhttps://www.bcg.com/publications/2021/why-nature-co-design-will-be-so-important-for-the-next-industrial-revolution

The concept of smart cities is rapidly evolving. The diverse experiences of cities such as Sejong, Sentosa, Songdo, and Lavasa serve as blueprints for a successful city. This article analyzes their visions, strategies, best practices, and missteps to uncover insights for the future of smart urban development. Navigating Smart City Realities and Ambitions Smart cities feature innovative urban planning that leverages the latest technologies and sustainability practices to enhance residents' quality of life. They are designed without the constraints of existing infrastructure, providing a blank canvas for creating futuristic metropolises that redefine urban living. Sejong in South Korea Sejong in South Korea aimed to become an administrative capital and model city for 500,000 residents. It showcased technological advances such as ubiquitous CCTV cameras, electric buses, and self-driving cars. The master plan also included eco-friendly amenities like solar-powered homes and zero-waste systems. Sejong incorporated natural scenic amenities, including a 1.9-square-mile central park surrounding an artificial lake that serves as the city's gathering place. Additionally, the city was meticulously designed with family-friendly amenities such as parks and schools. Government offices were relocated to the new business district to appeal to residents.   [caption id="attachment_12169" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Cityscape of a neighborhood in Sejong, South Korea[/caption]   Sentosa Island in Singapore Alternatively, Sentosa, the resort island in Singapore, aimed to attract tourists by becoming a world-class leisure and entertainment hub. With over 240 attractions, including hotels, amusement parks, and nature trails, Sentosa caters to diverse visitors, from families and couples to corporate travelers. Sentosa's global marketing campaigns and partnerships with over 10 prominent hospitality brands have helped establish it as a premier tourist destination. It is worth noting that in its opening year of 1972, Sentosa attracted just over 2 million tourists. Areial Shot of Sentosa Island, Singapore   [caption id="attachment_12170" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Areial Shot of Sentosa Island, Singapore[/caption]   Songdo City in South Korea On the other hand, Songdo aimed to become a model city of the future by attracting an international community of residents and businesses. However, its top-down planning approach failed to cultivate an authentic sense of community. It was described as feeling sterile and corporate, despite its green buildings and technological advances. Unlike Sejong's focus on collaborative governance, Songdo lacked significant public participation in urban planning, resulting in a city that felt disconnected from its residents. Similarly, Songdo did not leverage the same global partnerships and diverse offerings that boosted Sentosa's appeal. Songdo's limited nightlife and restaurant options also failed to match expectations. Sentosa and Sejong focused on showcasing local culture, whereas Songdo felt placeless with its international chains and lack of character.   [caption id="attachment_12171" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Songdo City Skyline, South Korea[/caption]   Meanwhile, Lavasa in India was modeled after Italy's Portofino. The city struggled to get off the ground, with protracted legal and environmental disputes obstructing the construction of its planned idyllic smart city. The unfinished and legally troubled project failed to attract investors and homebuyers, leading to the abandonment and deterioration of its infrastructure.   [caption id="attachment_12172" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Lavasa City, India.[/caption]   The ability to execute tailored strategies matching their lofty goals would prove pivotal to the success or failure of such cities. All these cities faced the true test of making their ambitious visions a living reality by attracting their intended target populations. Ingredients for Success Beyond the Blueprint While state-of-the-art technology and urban planning are important, they are not enough. Additional key ingredients beyond the physical blueprint also contribute to the success of smart cities. Effective governance is essential for the foundation of a smart city and must be established from the outset. For example, Sentosa's development was managed by a specialized governing corporation with a clear leadership vision. This enabled smooth progress despite the massive scale and complexity of the project. In contrast, Songdo's top-down planning approach failed to involve the local community. This has resulted in a city that felt disconnected from its residents' needs. Governance Cultivating an authentic sense of civic identity and organic growth requires genuine community participation in shaping the city. Unlike Songdo, Sejong emphasized collaborative governance, where citizens actively contributed ideas to urban planning decisions. This fostered a vibrant, livable city with a strong communal attachment. Partnerships Partnerships can heighten global recognition and attract visitors. For example, Sentosa aligned with over 10 prominent hospitality brands like Resorts World, Universal Studios, and Hardrock Hotels. This amplified its profile and established its reputation as a premier tourist destination. Moreover, the ability to adapt offerings to changing societal preferences prevents stagnation after the initial novelty wears off. By constantly assessing and strategically updating its many attractions, Sentosa continued to attract visitors, even after surpassing 1 million visitors in 1979. New offerings, such as world-class sporting events and refreshed leisure facilities, provided repeat visitors with exciting new experiences. Transport Infrastructure Accessibility and mobility are also key factors in determining whether target communities can reside in or visit cities. Sejong's central location in South Korea allows for easy transportation access from all corners of the country, while Lavasa's remote hilltop location presents challenges for visitor access. It is essential to build comprehensive transit networks with links to major transportation hubs. Operational excellence is also crucial for cities that rely heavily on tourism, as it creates seamless user experiences. Sentosa demonstrated its ability to enhance guest satisfaction and streamline operations through its suite of technology solutions, such as mobile apps and information hubs. Strong behind-the-scenes service delivery and infrastructure are equally important. Additional Best Practices for Smart City Success In addition to those core ingredients, specific best practices underlie many of the achievements of truly thriving smart cities. Unique architectural landmarks can foster distinctive character and community identity. Sejong Lake Park became a scenic central hub and gathering place for civic life. Hosting renowned high-profile cultural, sporting, and entertainment events generates significant global visibility and prominence. The major tournaments held annually, such as the SMBC Singapore Open and the HSBC Women’s World Championship at Sentosa, consistently bolstered its international reputation. Targeted marketing campaigns, like customized trip itineraries, promote and expand visitor access to attractions and amenities. Sejong offers curated travel packages that highlight the city's assets; Sejong Lake Park, Sejong Barrage, and Milmaru Observatory are some examples. Smart cities can create unique and vibrant communities by leveraging a variety of transportation options, natural features, land-use strategies, cultural attractions, and amenities. For example, Sentosa integrated diverse transportation modes like roads, metro, cable cars, and shuttles to overcome accessibility challenges from its island location. Songdo's extensive parks and waterfronts demonstrate how natural assets can be better utilized with careful planning. Strategically zoned areas like innovation and research hubs, as seen in Lavasa's planned technology district plans, nurture growth in target industries. Special economic zones with incentives also encourage business investment, as Songdo's designated zones aimed to do. Meanwhile, cultural components like museums, galleries, and public art, as incorporated in Sentosa and Sejong, foster community cohesion. Maintaining high-quality healthcare, education, housing, and recreation enhances livability for residents, as cities like Sejong have prioritized. Taking a comprehensive approach allows smart cities to cultivate distinctive identities and opportunities. Thoughtful Phased Development Phasing development in a thoughtful and staged manner is key to achieving smart city success sustainably over the long term. Unrealistic, rushed timelines often set cities up to fall short of expectations and struggle down the line. Sentosa progressed systematically through multiple stages of gradual development spanning from the 1970s to today, carefully adapting, expanding, and updating as it grew. New cities should focus first on building critical mass and a high baseline quality of life for initial residents before pursuing aggressive rapid expansion. Gradually layering in new zones, industries, attractions, and amenities in phases enables organic, sustained growth rather than sudden, unsustainable booms. Securing substantial buy-in and commitments from target resident demographics, investors, businesses, and the government is also essential before breaking ground on massive new developments. Beginning construction without secured commitments risks creating ghost cities and bankruptcies. Sejong brought stability by confirming the relocations of national government agencies and associated populations. Sentosa extensively marketed itself globally to its target tourist base for years before opening. Sufficient early-stage funding and investment are also key; Lavasa's inability to raise the necessary capital stalled its progress indefinitely. Thorough upfront planning and consensus pave the way for smart cities to successfully thrive. Key Takeaways In conclusion, the success of a smart city depends on aligning its vision with long-term strategies for governance, community building, partnerships, attractions, adaptability, accessibility, operations, and more. While state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure are important, inclusive holistic planning that encompasses social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors is equally critical to build the foundations necessary for vibrant, future-ready cities to sustainably prosper. The way forward necessitates detailed and comprehensive planning that prioritizes people, with technology serving as a facilitator rather than the main focus. These lessons provide guiding principles and best practices for transforming ambitious plans into tangible, livable smart cities that stand the test of time.   References: https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/government/lavasa-from-a-dream-to-a-failed-city https://www.indiatoday.in/newsmo/video/lavasa-what-went-wrong-with-india-s-paradise-hilltop-city-1962752-2022-06-15 http://www.lavasa.com/play/getting-there.aspx https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-22/songdo-south-korea-s-smartest-city-is-lonely https://www.sejong.go.kr/eng/sub03_0201.do https://smartcity.go.kr/en/2022/08/25/designing-tomorrow-sejong-national-pilot-smart-city/ https://loti.london/blog/what-can-london-learn-from-south-koreas-smart-cities https://www.sejong.go.kr/eng/sub04_0101.do https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/2/630 https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/places-to-see/sentosa/ https://www.sentosa.gov.sg/partner-us/opportunities/ https://www.thomascook.in/places-to-visit/sentosa-island-in-singapore-3915 https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/sentosa-island-singapore-history-cmb/index.html

There is a growing concern that AI and robotics will lead to the replacement of human labor. Technology is evolving rapidly, and the adoption of advanced technologies is creating markets with changing demands. These advanced technologies allow for information to travel quickly and spread widely. To maintain a competitive workforce, developing and improving human capital and skills is essential.By 2025, machines will surpass human work hours globally, according to the World Economic Forum. Over 85% of firms surveyed identified the increased use of new and frontier technologies, as well as the expansion of digital access, as the developments most likely to drive organizational transformation. What are the current emerging technologies? The term "frontier technologies" refers to a group of emerging technologies that leverage digitalization and connectivity, allowing them to synergize and amplify their effects. Figure 1: The extent to which digitalization is expected to impact businesses Source: constructed by the author using Statista data The Internet of Things is expected to have the biggest impact on businesses. Companies are witnessing cost savings, enhanced efficiencies, increased production, mass customization, and, most crucially, new revenue and business models.Furthermore, at the national level, artificial intelligence is estimated to boost annual global GDP by 7% and productivity by 1.5 percentage points over a ten-year period. How have these technologies disrupted the labor market? Improvements in the global economy would result from significant labor cost savings, new job creation, and higher productivity for non-displaced workers. However, the impact on the employed population could be significant. AI can replace 46% of administrative jobs and 44% of legal jobs. Over the next ten years, 25% of all current work tasks could be automated.Companies have already started incorporating new technologies into their day-to-day work. For instance, finance companies have employed them to make credit assessments, manage risks, prevent fraud, facilitate trading, personalize banking services, and automate processes. Similarly, the manufacturing sector has leveraged emerging technologies for tasks such as predictive maintenance, quality control, and collaborative work between humans and robots.Organizations estimate that machines perform 34% of all business-related tasks, while humans are responsible for the remaining 66%. Economists predict a net loss of 14 million jobs in the global labor market over the next five years if the trend persists. This is due to the creation of approximately 69 million jobs and the destruction of around 83 million jobs. Figure 2: The distribution of the number of people employed in OECD countries by skill level in 2021 Source: constructed by the author using ILO statistics In OECD countries, the majority of the employed population in 2021 were medium- and high-skilled workers, while low-skilled workers accounted for only about 10% of the total employed population. This indicates a significant disparity in the employment distribution based on skill level, with a greater demand for medium- and high-skilled workers. Which skills are most in demand in the labor market? Cognitive skills are rapidly gaining importance, indicating the growing relevance of problem-solving in the workplace. Based on business surveys, creative thinking is reported to be gaining importance at a slightly faster rate compared to analytical thinking. Additionally, technology literacy is identified as the third-fastest-growing fundamental skill. Finally, systems thinking, AI and big data, talent management, service orientation, and customer service complete the list of top growing skills. Between 2023 and 2027, companies will focus 10% of their training initiatives on analytical thinking and approximately 8% on fostering creative thinking.As a result of these emerging technologies and newly demanded skills, developing countries' governments need to equip their workforces with specialized expertise aligned with Industry 4. This necessitates the development of foundational knowledge and proficiencies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as in design, management, and entrepreneurship. Benchmarks of policies and programs targeted at upskilling workers. Singapore: The Tech Immersion and Placement Programme (TIPP) is a professional conversion programme designed to transition non-ICT workers into industry-ready ICT experts. Trainees will construct an excellent portfolio of ICT projects through the intensive IT training courses available in Singapore. They also have the opportunity to connect with prominent professionals in their respective fields, which will assist them in preparing for careers in the ICT industry, such as web developers, user experience designers, and data analysts. United Kingdom: The UK government is already funding 1,000 PhDs in artificial intelligence, as well as 1,000 scholarships for master's degree conversion courses in AI and data science, in addition to supporting apprenticeships. The government has also established the Digital Skills Council, which collaborates closely with powerful private-sector partners to address the digital skills required for the workforce of the future. In addition, the Council will collaborate with industry partners to create reward and recognition programmes to promote employer-led training. Australia: The Australian government developed the Digital Skills Programme, which fosters creative practice with digital and emerging technologies through workshops and seminars. The government is collaborating with educational institutions, technologists, and professionals to offer learning opportunities for beneficiaries to thrive in a digital society. Conclusion To summarize, technology has had a significant impact on unemployment rates during the last few decades. Automation has reduced the need for human labor in several sectors, resulting in increased unemployment in some fields. On the other hand, technology has offered new job prospects in fields such as software and information technology.While certain types of employment have been reduced as a result, the increased demand for more highly skilled occupations has resulted in additional opportunities for individuals with advanced skills and qualifications. Technology has also enabled firms to become more productive, which has resulted in greater job opportunities and a more efficient labor market.Finally, the transition to frontier technologies and beyond will be an ongoing process. Governments and employers will need to adapt to emerging technologies by embracing change, fostering a culture of learning, and prioritizing continuous innovation. References https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2023.pdf https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/tir2020_en.pdf https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/initiatives/early-career/tesa https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uks-digital-strategy/uk-digital-strategy https://creative.gov.au/investment-and-development/digital-culture-strategy/digital-skills-program/ https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/generative-ai-could-raise-global-gdp-by-7-percent.html https://www.statista.com/study/66974/in-depth-report-industry-40/ https://siliconangle.com/2023/03/29/goldman-sachs-report-says-ai-put-300-million-jobs-risk/

Recent technological advancements have increased the pace of innovation and progress, transforming industries from finance to healthcare to transportation. However, as these new technologies emerge, they often outpace existing regulatory frameworks, posing challenges for businesses seeking to implement innovative solutions. Many recent technologies, such as generative AI solutions, are not bound by any regulation worldwide. Thus, their usage can be applied either to foster progress or cause harm. To bridge this gap, regulatory sandboxes have gained traction as a valuable tool to foster innovation while managing risks and laying the foundations for effective regulations. In this article, we will delve into the concept of regulatory sandboxes, their benefits, and their impact on various sectors. What are regulatory sandboxes? Regulatory sandboxes are controlled environments created by regulatory authorities to allow businesses to test innovative products, services, or business models in a live environment under relaxed regulatory requirements (Government of Canada, 2022). They allow businesses to experiment with their innovative ideas, gather data, and learn from real-world interactions, while regulators monitor the process and assess risks. Regulatory sandboxes are typically time-limited and offer a flexible regulatory framework that balances innovation and consumer protection (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, 2022). Benefits Regulatory sandboxes provide a safe space for businesses to test and refine their ideas without concerns about regulatory limitations stifling innovation, as they encourage experimentation and allow businesses to identify and mitigate risks early in the development process. Reducing regulatory barriers to entry for new and disruptive technologies while maintaining suitable safeguards can fast-forward the pace of innovation (OECD, 2020). Regulatory sandboxes also allow reducing the time and cost of getting innovative ideas to market, enabling more products to be tested and potentially introduced to the market, and allowing authorities to work with innovators to ensure that appropriate consumer protection safeguards are built into their new products and services (FCA, 2015). A regulatory sandbox also has the potential to create more effective competition by enabling greater access to finance for innovators. 40% of firms that completed the inaugural programme of the financial services sandbox of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) received investment during or following sandbox testing (FCA, 2017). Examples of regulatory sandboxes in various sectors Regulatory sandboxes have gained prominence across various sectors. In 2020, there were around 73 sandboxes in 57 jurisdictions, with East Asia and the Pacific leading the world regions with 19 sandboxes, as seen in Figure 1 (World Bank, 2020). [caption id="attachment_10795" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Figure 1: Number of sandboxes by World Bank regions[/caption] As of January 2023, the Fintech sector leads the regulatory sandbox market with 94 regulatory sandboxes launched globally, followed by the energy sector, as seen below (Kearney, 2023). [caption id="attachment_10792" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Figure 2: Regulatory sandboxes launched worldwide by sector of focus[/caption] In the financial sector, the FCA launched the world's first regulatory sandbox in May 2016 to respond to the legal uncertainties created by the increasing emergence of fintech products and services. Since its launch, the FCA’s sandbox has received more than 550 applications and conducted experiments with more than 160 companies using AI/machine learning, DLT/blockchain technology, open banking, APIs, digital ID, and predictive analytics (Kearney, 2023). Another example is the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which launched its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox in November 2016 to enable innovative technology experimentation while relaxing its prescribed regulations (MAS, 2016). Since then, other countries have followed and created their own regulatory sandboxes: the Saudi Central Bank’s (SAMA) regulatory sandbox, Australia’s Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox (ERS), the UAE’s ADGM RegLab, and others. In the energy sector, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established the Grid Modernization Lab Consortium, which enables companies to test and validate advanced grid technologies in real-world environments. The lab offers a comprehensive portfolio of 88 projects that span over the course of 3 years. Another example is the UK's Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) establishing the Energy Regulation Sandbox, which is designed to allow innovators to trial or launch new products, services, methodologies, and business models without some of the usual rules applying. The goal of the Ofgem is to provide derogations for some regulations that block innovative ideas from entering the market. In the healthcare sector, the Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) was launched in 2016 by the Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation and the Department of Health, supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The hub offers the opportunity for pilot and clinical validation studies and allows companies to collaborate with healthcare providers and regulatory authorities to develop and test innovative healthcare technologies, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Besides the previously mentioned sectors, regulatory sandboxes that are applicable to data protection and technologies such as AI also exist. The sandbox of the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) welcomes participants who create products and services that utilize personal data either in emerging technologies, such as consumer healthtech, next generation IoT, immersive tech (AR and VR), or biometrics (fingerprint, facial, voice, etc.). Similarly, Singapore developed a data regulatory sandbox to support businesses operating with data-driven technology to ensure compliance with data protection policies in the country. Furthermore, in Norway, the Data Protection Authority (DPA) created the “Sandbox for responsible artificial intelligence” to promote the development of innovative AI solutions that, from a data protection perspective, are both ethical and responsible. Additionally, the sandbox aims to understand how AI-based products and services can meet the requirements imposed by data protection regulations in practice, and the results are expected to be communicated to the wider public for the benefit of non-participating organizations. Regulatory sandboxes have emerged as a valuable tool for fostering innovation. They provide a safe space for businesses to test and refine their ideas while navigating complex regulatory requirements. They have accelerated the development and deployment of innovative technologies, facilitated collaboration between regulators and businesses, and influenced regulatory reforms at a broader level. As technology continues to evolve, regulatory sandboxes are expected to play an increasingly important role in mitigating the risks that might arise from the use of non-regulated technology products and services.   Sources https://www.canada.ca/en/government/system/laws/developing-improving-federal-regulations/modernizing-regulations/what-is-a-regulatory-sandbox.html https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Dossier/regulatory-sandboxes.html https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/research/regulatory-sandbox.pdf https://goingdigital.oecd.org/data/notes/No2_ToolkitNote_Sandboxes.pdf https://www.kearney.com/industry/telecommunications/article/-/insights/regulatory-sandboxes-a-safe-environment-for-regulators-to-embrace-and-drive-innovation https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/research-and-data/regulatory-sandbox-lessons-learned-report.pdf https://www.mas.gov.sg/development/fintech/regulatory-sandbox https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2016/mas-issues-regulatory-sandbox-guidelines-for-fintech-experiments https://www.sama.gov.sa/en-US/Regulatory%20Sandbox/Pages/About-Us.aspx https://asic.gov.au/for-business/innovation-hub/enhanced-regulatory-sandbox/#:~:text=The%20Australian%20Government%20has%20introduced,credit%20licence%20(credit%20licence) https://www.adgm.com/setting-up/reglab/overview https://www.energy.gov/gmi/grid-modernization-lab-consortium https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/policy-and-regulatory-programmes/innovation-link https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/energy-regulation-sandbox-guidance-innovators https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/advice-and-services/regulatory-sandbox/ https://www.imda.gov.sg/how-we-can-help/data-innovation/data-regulatory-sandbox https://www.datatilsynet.no/en/regulations-and-tools/sandbox-for-artificial-intelligence/ https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/fintech/brief/key-data-from-regulatory-sandboxes-across-the-globe

Precision Agriculture (PA) is a farming methodology that uses data and technology to optimize input management, making farming more efficient and productive. This article shows how accuracy promotes success by presenting the different precision agriculture technologies, their applications, and their key benefits. In the United States, advanced farming technologies are widely adopted. Over 25% of peanut farms use GPS soil mapping, and more than 40% use auto-steering. In rice farms, about 60% use yield monitoring technology, and approximately 55% use auto-guidance systems. In Europe, adoption is slightly lower for guidance technology, and variable rate technology for fertilizers (referring to adjusting inputs based on data analysis to tackle soil and crop variations) is lacking in many places (2021). Several factors consistently have a positive influence, such as technology adoption, larger farms, formal education, farm ownership, sufficient financial resources, computer literacy, full-time farming, and field variations. On the other hand, a farmer’s age has a negative impact on technology adoption. Precision farming involves various steps, including data collection on soil, crops, and yield, data analysis, applying specific treatments based on the analyzed data, recording and processing application data, and storing the data for future reference and analysis.   Precision agriculture technologies and applications Technologies Precision agriculture technologies have revolutionized modern farming practices, leveraging innovations such as GPS-guided tractors and drones for aerial imaging. These advancements enable farmers to optimize crop management, reduce resource waste, and enhance overall agricultural productivity. Key precision agriculture technologies include: GPS: Enables precise application of inputs based on location, avoiding waste and conserving water. Data Collection: Utilizes on-site sensors, satellites, drones, and weather stations to gather soil, crop, weather, and location data. Intra-field Diagnosis: Crop sensing and mapping aid in site-specific management decisions, optimizing resource usage. Automatic Variable-Rate Treatments: Ensure targeted resource application, meeting production and environmental goals. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): Provide precise guidance and control for efficient field operations. Geospatial Technologies: Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, and in situ; a type of sensing that is done close to the phenomena of interest, monitors crops, and aids decision-making. Remote Sensing: Uses aerial cameras to estimate soil properties, guiding better agricultural practices. With the aid of the above technologies, precision agriculture optimizes resource usage, reduces environmental impact, and enhances productivity. Applications The technologies stated above are reflected in the following applications: Precision Input Management: Aims to optimize the use of crop inputs, reduce waste, and ensure environmental sustainability. Field machines equipped with Navigation Geographic Information Systems can collect high-resolution data for detailed crop management. Auto-steering Global Navigation Satellite System [GNSS]-controlled tractors minimize overlap, and map-driven seeding matches plant populations with soil conditions based on historical crop yield. Smart irrigation systems manage water usage in real-time, enhancing farm productivity and sustainability. Variable Rate Technology (VRT): Aims to apply inputs at variable rates based on data analysis to address soil and crop variations. VRT uses maps or sensors to adjust input concentrations during application. The adoption of VRT is growing rapidly, offering farmers more efficient and precise resource utilization. GPS Guidance Systems: This application implements GPS for precise navigation of agricultural machinery. Automated guidance systems relieve operators from continuous steering adjustments and reduce errors, fatigue, and environmental impact. Foam markers and parallel-tracking devices aid in navigation, while advanced auto-steer systems can automatically steer the vehicle. Yield Mapping: Creates maps displaying crop yield variations within fields. Modern combine harvesters are equipped with yield monitors, enabling farmers to assess crop performance and generate geo-referenced yield maps for comparisons and management decisions. Resource Conservation: The key objective is to minimize resource use and prevent environmental impact. Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices reduce input consumption and externalities. CA focuses on reducing soil erosion, water waste, and chemical runoff and promoting sustainable farming practices. Precision agriculture holds significant importance Precision agriculture offers various benefits, including healthier crops and increased production. By reducing the use of fertilizers, water, and pesticides, this technology enables proper crop management and maximizes land use. This is crucial given the current global situation, as agriculture faces immense pressure to meet the needs of a projected 10 billion people by 2050, requiring a 98% increase in food production. Additionally, agriculture accounts for over 70% of global freshwater use, with about half of it wasted. PA's ability to reduce costs and environmental impact makes it an essential tool to address future challenges, especially in the context of the world's climate crisis. Southern Alberta illustrates this issue - the region, located in the Canadian province of Alberta, is home to the country's largest irrigation farming system, accounting for 68% of all irrigated land in the country. It is renowned for its highly productive and fertile agricultural land, making it a significant agricultural area in Canada. Farmers in this region have widely adopted precision agriculture (PA) technologies. These technologies have consistently shown positive effects on agricultural sustainability, reducing the use of irrigation water, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Cristopher and Lorraine Nicole’s study in the region shows reductions in farm inputs. Among the irrigation districts, the most significant percentage decline was observed in the utilization of irrigation water, with reductions ranging from 21% to 26%. Decreases in the application of fertilizers varied from 15% to 22%, herbicide use declined by 14% to 17%, and pesticide usage showed reductions from 13% to 20%. Environmental benefits Precision Agriculture (PA) is a key solution to the challenge of meeting the world's growing food demand while ensuring environmental sustainability. PA uses data collection and advanced technologies to optimize farming efficiency and resource allocation. This leads to reduced inputs, lower costs, and increased profits for farmers, while also benefiting the environment by minimizing harmful run-off and conserving water. PA's positive impact has garnered significant investment and is crucial in building a sustainable and efficient agricultural system for the future. Economic benefits Precision Agriculture is not only beneficial for the environment but also has significant social and economic implications. Smallholder farmers make up about 90% of farmers in many parts of the world; they represent a significant portion of the farming community and therefore play a vital role in ensuring food security. However, they face challenges that hinder their sustainability and livelihoods. By adopting PA, these farmers can transform their farms into profitable and sustainable ventures. With increased productivity and better market access, they can improve their livelihoods and support their families. Not only would this lead to a better quality of life, but it would also contribute to food security by increasing the amount of food produced. PA offers a promising pathway to empower and uplift smallholder farmers, enabling them to thrive in the changing agricultural landscape. The soybean challenge confronting American farmers offers a compelling illustration of how precision agriculture can potentially enhance yields and aid farmers in achieving financial sustainability. Soybeans are crucial for global food security, but the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is causing significant grain loss in U.S. soybean yields, which contribute to 32% of global soybean planting. Despite advanced management techniques like crop rotation and resistant varieties, SCN remains a major disruptive pest. Early detection of SCN is difficult due to the lack of visible symptoms in soybean plants. Common soil sampling methods for SCN detection have issues, including unreliable threshold damage methods. To address these challenges, precision agriculture explores innovative approaches like deep learning and hyperspectral imaging for efficient and scalable plant disease detection, promising solutions to enhance soybean crop management. The adoption of precision agriculture is influenced by farmers' perceptions of its profitability and their ability to manage it effectively. Consultants and computer use also play a role in adoption, and support and training in using computers may be necessary for long-term success. In the future, farmers will need to acquire new skills and adopt a different mindset to keep up with changes in PA. For precision agriculture to become more widespread, farmers need access to reliable and timely data to make better decisions about their crops and land. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial to support and encourage its adoption. Accuracy is a crucial factor for success in precision agriculture. The use of advanced technologies to collect precise data allows farmers to make informed decisions tailored to their fields' specific needs. This precision optimizes resource usage, reduces waste, minimizes environmental impacts, and improves overall efficiency and productivity. Accurate data also aids in early problem identification and crop yield improvement. Additionally, precision data enhances the effectiveness of automated farming equipment like GPS-guided tractors and drones. Overall, accuracy in data collection and analysis leads to improved farm management, increased profitability, and sustainable agricultural practices.   References https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-01/UNDP-Precision-Agriculture-for-Smallholder-Farmers-V2.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354252187_A_meta-analysis_of_factors_driving_the_adoption_of_precision_agriculture https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323115562_Using_technology_of_data_collection_and_data_processing_in_precision_farming https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/82490 https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/1/217 https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=105893 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09064710.2021.2024874 https://plantmethods.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13007-022-00933-8