The European Union is making strides to boost its presence in the tech landscape. Right now, major US companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google hold a dominant position in Europe. The EU’s determination to create a digital single market signals a strong push against these tech giants. Their ultimate goal? To effectively manage global data flows and rejuvenate Europe’s struggling cloud computing sector. The new EU administration recognizes that it’s time to update the rules—they can’t keep up as things stand.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is making headlines with its ambitious smart city project, Neom. This initiative is set to significantly enhance the country’s tech capabilities, focusing on creating new tech-driven companies and initiatives. If successful, Neom could reshape Saudi Arabia’s high-tech landscape.
Over in the UAE, a significant partnership has emerged between oil giant ADNOC and Microsoft. This deal aligns with a broader US strategy aimed at thwarting potential Chinese advances in military technology in the Gulf region.
In the Netherlands, there’s a brewing issue. The expertise in Cobol, a key programming language for many financial institutions, is fading as seasoned professionals retire. This has led to a surprising trend: retirees are returning to work to fill the gaps, raising concerns across the industry.
Sporting events are also embracing technology. A recent case study highlights how tech services are pivotal in managing major sports events. During the Euros football championship in Germany, IT giant Atos made sure everything ran smoothly. Their behind-the-scenes work at the temporary IT support center in Düsseldorf played a crucial role in enhancing the audience experience.
Here are some of the highlighted stories from Computer Weekly’s top 10 EMEA pieces of 2024:
– Europe is pushing ahead with its plan for a digital single market, aiming to take on US tech giants, oversee data flows, and revive its cloud computing industry.
– Analysis from Amnesty International reveals that AI tools used by Denmark’s welfare authority could breach privacy rights and EU regulations, particularly around social scoring.
– The COVID-19 pandemic forced a global reevaluation of healthcare systems, spotlighting the urgent need for advanced digital solutions for remote care.
– Even if Saudi Arabia’s Neom project only partially fulfills its ambitions, it could still greatly enhance the country’s high-tech environment.
– Despite Dutch leaders’ confidence in their IT infrastructure, recent events and data reveal vulnerabilities that raise alarms for the nation’s critical infrastructure.
– As the Dutch Parliamentary year approaches, labor unions CNV and FNV are advocating for a shorter working week, emphasizing work-life balance.
– The partnership between Microsoft and ADNOC is notable not just for its business potential but also for its role in US efforts to limit Chinese technological influence in the region.
– A call for digital innovation in the DACH region suggests a shift towards more effective and engaging learning environments in the near future.
– This summer’s men’s European Football Championship showcased the role of digital technology in enhancing sports consumption, while the behind-the-scenes teams ensured everything went off without a hitch.
– With Cobol still integral to vital financial systems in the Netherlands, the decline in available expertise raises concerns about the country’s structural reliance on this aging technology.