Dynamic evolution
It’s time to wipe our lenses and take a glimpse into the future. We are evolving, and dynamically so. As the world accelerates into an exciting and promising new era, the possibilities in technology and business are seemingly endless. Whether the focus is on data-sharing capabilities that continue to advance, or on artificial intelligence expansion that will alter how we live and conduct business, there is no doubt that the next few years will prove to be revolutionary.
From advances in digital technologies that could reshape entire industries and sectors, to the ever so relevant issues of cloud security and data-backed decision making, come Securing the move to cloud by Simon Rohan Chandran and Demystifying insights through analytics by Bhavna Lakhani, Vivek Sam Abraham, and Krutika Ramwani. In the first article, Chandran explains how “As with many unknowns, the move to a virtual data centre and hyperscale global networking sees many organizations try to reinvent their IT strategy. They expect not just IT operations, but also security and privacy to adapt rapidly to this new way of digitalization…” Touching on the subject of data analytics, the next article discusses how “Now more than ever, at a moment when data, science, and facts have been challenged from many quarters, becoming a data-driven organization really does matter.”
This dynamic evolution also echoes in the chambers of healthcare, an area that will continue to transform with new business models and emerging technologies over time. “The pandemic required widespread fundamental change in the healthcare industry as well—from operations and supply chains, to consumer engagement and future strategies. As healthcare shifts away from an inpatient hospital revenue focus, finance chiefs have an important and growing role,” explains Haseeb Akram In Dynamics in healthcare post COVID-19. As time goes on, healthcare organizations will have no choice but to decide what role they want to play from here on out.
Looking towards the future, it is evident that the global economy, the financial sector, and society as a whole will take shape according to the many forces taking effect. Considering how inflation and international taxation have become such pertinent topics in our interconnected world, we have Trials and tribulations of international taxation: The impact of BEPS Action 5 and the recent introduction of a global minimum tax on Middle East-based special economic zones by Abi Man Joshi and The high inflation impact: Higher prices… yet lower equity values by Muhammad Faiq Khalid in this summer issue. They discuss how the international tax landscape has changed dramatically in recent years in addition to how the impact of inflation on investment valuations will vary across businesses, industries, and geographies.
The issue would not be complete without touching on the evolution of sustainability, climate change, and governance frameworks as well. Building a sustainable future: Leading the discussion in Egypt and the UAE at the COP 27 and COP 28, written by Damian Regan, reflects on how attention will be on North Africa and the Middle East as the international community takes numerous major steps over the next few years to reduce the impact of climate change and work towards building a more sustainable world.
In Governance frameworks: One size does not fit all by Wael Kaafarani and Melissa Scully, they express how “The challenges facing governments nowadays are not easy…” and how “Alongside these challenges comes increased scrutiny of performance, and a need to enhance governance practices that help government organizations navigate these complexities and uncertainties.”
All in all, it remains to be seen how the world will evolve as we move forward and what elements and areas, long thought to be unattainable, will become within our grasp. It clearly is an exciting and dynamic evolution in time which we are here to witness.