GEO-DATA, EARTH INSIGHTS NEEDED TO SOLVE MODERN CHALLENGES

The world has some big and pressing problems to solve, for example, environmental challenges, climate change and the need for more flexible and cleaner energy systems. Governments alone cannot resolve all of these issues and private enterprise has a critical role to play Thus there is an immense need for new solutions, new technologies and new ways of working.

Businesses and technology enterprises hold in their hand’s resources and technologies to deliver effective and scalable solutions that can address these problems. The primary objectives for top business and enterprise executives will therefore be all about advancing sustainability. Innovation and technology will be key, and this will be high on the agenda as well.

Fugro’s solutions are more relevant than ever. The problems mentioned above, all result in an increasing need for geo-data, for profound insights into the earth and its environment. This is what Fugro does. With our teams of experts and cuttingedge technologies we support clients in their journey towards sustainable infrastructure and climate change adaptation.

An example is a digitised solution for the investigation of marine sites with robotic vessels. Previously, this work was done with large, diesel-

Tim Lyle

Group Director Middle East and India, Fugro.

guzzling vessels with 3040 people onboard in often hazardous environments. A remotely operated robotic solution can undertake the work faster and safer, reduces CO2 emissions by over 95%, whilst exponentially increasing both the quality and quantity of digital information that can be obtained. This is just one of the ways we contribute to a safe and liveable world.

Key Takeaways

l Today’s problems result in an increasing need for geo-data and insights into the earth and its environment.

l The primary objectives for top business and enterprise executives will be about advancing sustainability.

l Innovation and technology will be key, this will be high on the agenda as well.

l Sustainability is not a random side effect of business.

l Sustainability goals have to be connected to an organisation’s purpose and strategy.

l As different businesses have different value chains, there is not one roadmap that works for all.

l A geo-data specialist as Fugro is very different from a supermarket chain.

The year 2023 and ahead will be all about digital and advanced technologies that reduce environmental impact, improve safety and increase efficiency. The type of technologies are diverse, from artificial intelligence, to robotics, blockchain or for example Internet of Things. Every function in business will benefit from these advanced technologies, whether it is communication, business development, business delivery, management, or for example accounts.

Most businesses will standardise on marketstandard cloud infrastructure, with bespoke robotics, analytics and intelligence technology, allowing them to create scalable and differentiating products or services.

New technologies and solutions are developed and delivered by people, so for an organisation that differentiates and leads with advanced technology, people are the key resources. A successful organisation requires diverse teams of people that provide the right culture, strategy and core competencies.

Organisations that are successful at developing advanced technology are not necessarily good at developing valuable solutions, and vice versa. As the world today needs advanced and differentiating solutions that are based on advanced technology, there will be more strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions that evolve and advance businesses. Sustainability is not a random side effect of business. To have a relevant and long-term impact, sustainability goals have to be connected to an organisation’s purpose and strategy. As different businesses have different value chains, there is not one roadmap that works for all.

A geo-data specialist as Fugro is very different than for example a supermarket chain. A good roadmap starts with a clear goal, and clear, realistic and measurable steps that help achieve these goals. As businesses are selfsustaining, there have to be both sustainability and financial KPIs. These combined KPIs are also relevant for attracting investors, as climate change these days is central to most investment considerations. n