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Top Game Changers for IT Organisations, Users From 2014
Gartner its top predictions, recently, for IT organisations and IT users for 2014 and beyond combined several disruptive topics including Digital Industrial Revolution, Digital Business, Smart Machines and the Internet of Things, the analyst strongly believes these are to serve as more game changers beyond just the IT function.
Gartner Symposium/ITxpo is the world’s most important gathering of CIOs and senior IT executives. This event delivers independent and objective content with the authority and weight of the world’s leading IT research and advisory organization, and provides access to the latest solutions from key technology providers.
“Gartner’s 2013 CEO survey suggests CEOs feel that business uncertainties are declining and yet, CIOs awake each day into a world of technology uncertainty and change,” says Daryl Plummer, managing vice president and analyst, Gartner.
“The savvy CIO will get his or her CEO to recognise the change being brought about by disruptive shifts is coming at an accelerated pace and at a global level of impact.”
Presenting their findings during Gartner Symposium/ITxpo, Gartner’s top 10 predictions are broken out into four categories as follows:
Digital Industrial Revolution
IT is no longer just about the IT function. Instead, IT has become the catalyst for the next phase of innovation in personal and competitive business ecosystems.
One place where this is evident is in the beginnings of a Digital Industrial Revolution that threatens to reshape how physical goods are created using 3D printing.
By 2018, 3D printing will result in the loss of at least $100 billion per year in intellectual property globally.
At least one major western manufacturer will claim to have had intellectual property (IP) stolen for a mainstream product by thieves using 3D printers who will likely reside in those same western markets rather than in Asia by 2015.
The plummeting costs of 3D printers, scanners and 3D modeling technology, combined with improving capabilities, makes the technology for IP theft more accessible to would-be criminals. Importantly, 3D printers do not have to produce a finished good in order to enable IP theft.
The ability to make a wax mold from a scanned object, for instance, can enable the thief to produce large quantities of items that exactly replicate the original.
By 2016, 3D printing of tissues and organs (bioprinting) will cause a global debate about regulating the technology or banning it for both human and nonhuman use.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration or comparable agency in a developed nation that is charged with evaluating all medical proposals will introduce guidelines that prohibit the bioprinting of life-saving 3D printed organs and tissues without its prior approval by end of 2015.
Bioprinting is the medical application of 3D printers to produce living tissue and organs. The day when 3D bioprinted human organs are readily available is drawing closer.
The emergence of 3D bioprinting facilities with the ability to print human organs can leave people wondering what the effect of it will be on society.
Beyond these questions, however, there is the reality of what 3D bioprinting means in helping people who need organs that are otherwise not readily available.
Digital Business
Digital business refers to business created using digital assets and/or capabilities, involving digital products, services and/or customer experiences, and/or conducted through digital channels and communities.
Gartner’s digital business predictions focus on the effect digital business will have on labor reductions, on consumer goods revenue, and on use of personal data.
While these do not cover the sum total of digital business, they do highlight critical areas of medium to long-term impact.
By 2017, more than half of consumer goods manufacturers will receive 75 percent of their consumer innovation and R&D capabilities from crowdsourced solutions.
Consumer goods companies that employ crowdsourced solutions in marketing campaigns or new product development will enjoy a 1 percent revenue boost over noncrowdsourced competitors by 2015.
Engineers, scientists, IT professionals and marketers at consumer goods companies are engaging crowds much more aggressively and with increasing frequency using digital channels to reach a larger and more anonymous pool of intellect and opinion.
Gartner sees a massive shift toward applications of crowdsourcing, enabled by technology, such as: advertising, online communities, scientific problem solving, internal new product ideas, and consumer-created products.
By 2020, the labor reduction effect of digitization will cause social unrest and a quest for new economic models in several mature economies.
A larger scale version of an “Occupy Wall Street”-type movement will begin by the end of 2014, indicating that social unrest will start to foster political debate.
Digitization is reducing labor content of services and products in an unprecedented way, thus fundamentally changing the way remuneration is allocated across labor and capital.
Long term, this makes it impossible for increasingly large groups to participate in the traditional economic system — even at lower prices — leading them to look for alternatives such as a bartering-based (sub)society, urging a return to protectionism or resurrecting initiatives like Occupy Wall Street, but on a much larger scale.
Mature economies will suffer most as they don’t have the population growth to increase autonomous demand nor powerful enough labor unions or political parties to (re-)allocate gains in what continues to be a global economy.
By 2017, 80 percent of consumers will collect, track and barter their personal data for cost savings, convenience and customization.
The number of Kickstarter-based auctions of personal data will increase by triple-digit percentages by the end of 2014.
The escalation of consumer awareness of data collection practices has set the stage for offering consumers more control over the disposition of personal data — collected both online and offline. As increasing demand and scarcity drives up the value of such data, incentives grow to entice consumers to share it voluntarily.
Meanwhile, consumer interest in self-tracking also suggests that consumers are investing more time and energy in collecting data about themselves.
They increasingly view such data as a key asset for life improvement, which is potentially consistent with the idea of trading it for value under the right circumstances.
By 2020, enterprises and governments will fail to protect 75 percent of sensitive data, and declassify and grant broad/public access to it.
By 2015, at least one more Snowden or WikiLeaks moment will occur, indicating an upward trend in corporations and governments’ acceptance that they cannot protect all sensitive information.
The amount of data stored and used by enterprises and governments is growing exponentially, such that any attempt to protect it all is unrealistic. Instead of facing an unfathomable task of protecting all data, enterprises and governments will focus on protecting only a small part of it, but protecting it well. Wider society will also gain from this approach, enabling it to establish better control over government and business, preventing abuses of power and engendering greater trust.
Smart Machines
The emergence of smart machines adds opportunity and fear as “cognizant and cognitive systems” and can enhance processes and decision making, but could also remove the need for humans in the process and decision effort.
CIOs will see this as a means of delivering greater efficiency, but will have to balance between the active human workforce and the cold efficiency of machines that can learn.
By 2024, at least 10 percent of activities potentially injurious to human life will require mandatory use of a nonoverideable “smart system.”
Economically priced cars with “automated assist” technology added as standard equipment will increase by through 2014 as an indicator of adoption.
The increasing deployment of “smart systems” capable of automatically responding to external events is increasing all the time, but there remains a deep-seated resistance to eliminating the option for human intervention.
The capability, reliability and availability of appropriate technology are not the issue. The willingness of the general population to accept initial widespread deployment and increasing removal of manual override options is the issue.
By 2020, a majority of knowledge worker career paths will be disrupted by smart machines in both positive and negative ways.
Virtual personal assistant usage in business grows more quickly in 2017 and 2018 than iPad usage did in 2010 and 2011/
Gartner forecasts that smart machines will upend a majority of knowledge workers’ career paths by 2020.
Smart machines exploit machine learning and deep-learning algorithms. They behave autonomously, adapting to their environment.
They learn from results, create their own rules and seek or request additional data to test hypotheses.
They are able to detect novel situations, often far more quickly and accurately than people. IT professionals need to recognize that smart machines can create substantial competitive advantages, as well as entirely new businesses.
By 2017, 10 percent of computers will be learning rather than processing.
In 2014, the number of speech recognition applications running on deep neural network algorithms will double.
Deep learning methods, based on deep neural networks, are currently being applied in speech recognition systems as well as some object recognition applications.
Quality of life improves when society is able to derive useful information from the copious amounts of unstructured data collecting in the Internet.
The most important implication of a learning computer is that it expands much less energy to recognize more complex patterns.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things cements the connection between machines, people and business interactions in the modern era.
With the advent of massively connected devices, businesses, governments and people now have access to more information about themselves and their surroundings than they can actually act on.
Gartner’s prediction focuses on the opportunity to build applications and services that can use that information to create new engagement models for customers, employees and partners, and to foster a new set of business and marketing models that make the word “engagement” a truly valuable asset.
By 2020, consumer data collected from wearable devices will drive 5 percent of sales from the Global 1000.
The number of smartphone apps requesting to share consumer data will increase twofold by 2015, indicating a rise in the number of marketers or proprietors who seek access to customer profile data.
Wearable computing, or wearables, is quickly moving into mainstream society, led by the growing, multibillion dollar health and fitness markets.
Within five years, consumer wearables will become more sophisticated, capturing what the user sees, hears or even feels through biorhythmic responses.
The technical hurdles that have stalled the adoption of wearables (battery life, augmented reality, chip evolution and bandwidth) are quickly eroding; opening doors to creative minds determined to exploit this technology for commercial gain as evidenced by sizable investments in wearable technology from Samsung, Google, Apple and Microsoft.
“While some of these disruptive topics might seem as if they do not have a direct impact on the IT function, we must embrace the notion that IT is now a part of everything,” said Mr. Plummer. “As the structure of businesses and industries change, the IT systems that support them will change and so will the skills, processes and controls needed to keep them functioning. The day when 3D-printed computer architecture exists is upon us, and the days when the digital business, smart machines or the Internet of Things change what computers are may not be far off.”
Culled from: www.gartner.com
Thousands of skilled UK and Nigerian jobs will be supported and hundreds of millions invested into the economy as a historic financing deal was signed yesterday between the UK and Nigeria.
The £746 million sum will be used to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure facilities located in Lagos, the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the TinCan Island Port Complex. It will be delivered through UKEF’s Buyer Credit Facility, coordinated and arranged by Citibank, N.A London Branch (“Citi”). Island Port Complex.
The agreement between UK Export Finance, the UK government’s export credit agency (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Finance, will deliver significant benefits for British businesses, with at least £236 million of supplier contracts directed to British companies.
British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets to construction companies Hitech Nigeria and ITB Nigeria for the ports deal, amounting to a £70 million contract that represents British Steel’s largest export order backed by UKEF. It follows from the Government’s newly announced Steel Strategy which seeks to revitalise the steel sector.
Peter Kyle, Buisness and Trade Secretary said: “Hot on the heels of our landmark Steel Strategy, this is a major win for British Steel made possible by UK Export Finance which is testament to the quality of UK-made steel and the booming UK-Nigeria relationship.
“Through our new Strategy we’re backing British steelmakers for long-term success at home and abroad, and this contract will reinforce British Steel’s world-class expertise while supporting jobs and growth in Scunthorpe.”
Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigerian Minister of Marine and Blue Economy said: “The modernisation and upgrading of Nigeria’s ports represents a major step forward for the country and aligns closely with the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of the marine and blue economy.
“Through strategic partnerships such as this with the United Kingdom, we are laying the foundation for a new era of efficiency, transparency and competitiveness in Nigeria’s port system.
“Modern infrastructure, supported by digitalised and automated processes, will transform the way our ports operate and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
“Nigeria’s port operations will be transformative. Turnaround times for vessels and cargo dwell times within the ports are projected to fall sharply as automated processes replace paperwork-heavy procedures and as expanded capacity removes longstanding bottlenecks.
“The modernised infrastructure will enable faster clearance of imports and exports, reduce demurrage and logistics costs for businesses, significantly improve the predictability and transparency of cargo movement and generate more revenue for national development.”
Alongside the NPA deal announcement, the UK and Nigeria will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for potential future collaboration.
The MOU sets out Nigeria’s priority project pipeline, seeking UKEF finance and support, with the UK set to benefit directly through substantial supply chain participation. The signing signals a clear commitment from both governments to deepen their long-term partnership on trade, infrastructure and sustainable growth.
Hitech Nigeria and ITB Nigeria have been at the forefront of some of Nigeria’s most transformative infrastructure projects and advanced engineering.
The Steel Strategy highlights one of many initiatives that the Government is already doing including those on energy prices, skills, procurement and financing support of projects such as the Scrap Metal Taskforce and the new Trade Defence Measures.
Allan Bell , British Steel CEO said: “This is a record-breaking contract for British Steel and a major boost to our 4,000 employees and many more people in our supply chains.
“After government intervention last April, everyone at British Steel has worked hard to stabilise the company. This deal represents us moving from stabilisation to building long-term sustainability for the business.
“As one of the largest ever orders for billet in the history of this company, it marks a tremendous vote of confidence in British Steel and UK manufacturing. And as the biggest order we have ever secured with UK Export Finance, it demonstrates how we are working with the UK Government to meet the global demand for our products.
“We thank the government for its support and look forward to working with Hitech Construction Africa Ltd on this transformative project.”
Richard Hodder, Global Head of Export & Agency Financing at Citi said: “Citi has been present in Nigeria for over 40 years and is delighted to support NPA and the Federal Government of Nigeria in the financing of this critical infrastructure project which will deliver significant economic benefits to the Nigerian economy over the coming years. As the Coordinator of the transaction, we are pleased to have worked in close partnership with the team at UKEF to deliver one of the largest Export Credit Agency supported Buyer Credit Facilities ever seen in West Africa.”
Today’s milestones represent UKEF’s growing presence in the region. Since 2018, UKEF support for West and Central Africa has grown by over £3 billion, reflecting the region’s appetite for diversified trade partnerships and the UK’s commitment to being a trusted partner for long-term investment.
Tim Reid, CEO at UK Export Finance said: “This deal represents a milestone for UK-Nigeria trade relations and demonstrates the full capacity of UK Export Finance to unlock transformational opportunities for British businesses, while supporting sustainable economic growth in key markets.
“With over £200 million feeding back to British companies, including one of the largest steel billet contracts in British Steel’s history and our new Memorandum of Understanding, UKEF are laying the foundations for a deeper, long-term relationship with Nigeria, that will open doors for British exporters across the entire region.”
Together, these announcements signal to international markets that Nigeria is open for trade and investment, demonstrating credible government-to-government delivery and building wider investor confidence around Nigeria’s trade infrastructure and growth agenda.
Bank of Industry (BoI) and MTN Nigeria Foundation have launched a N1 billion Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund to support women-owned businesses across Nigeria.
The fund was launched at the official unveiling of the BOI–MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund held in Lagos.
Dr Olasupo Olusi, managing director of BoI, said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
Represented by Oluwatoyin Edu, executive director, MSMEs, Olusi, said the partnership has grown from a N100 million youth programme in 2018 to a N1 billion fund, financed equally by both institutions.
“Today, we are pleased to deepen this collaboration with the launch of the N1 billion Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund.
“This programme aligns strongly with BoI’s 2025–2027 strategy for enterprise development and economic transformation,” he said.
Olusi said 1,000 women entrepreneurs would receive structured training, while 200 women-led MSMEs would access loans of up to N5 million each.
The BoI boss added that the programme targets sectors including agro-processing, light manufacturing, fashion, energy, waste management and digital services.
Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga, chairman of MTN Nigeria Foundation, said the initiative highlighted women’s critical role in economic development.
According to her, the foundation now treats women’s empowerment as central to nation-building, rather than a corporate social responsibility obligation.
Belo-Olusoga said over 5,700 women had been trained, with the programme designed to bridge economic gaps limiting women’s participation.
“This fund provides equipment financing, enabling women to transition from small-scale operations to industrial-level businesses,” she said.
She stressed the need for greater awareness, especially in rural communities, to ensure inclusiveness.
Mrs Odunayo Sanya, executive director of the foundation, said the initiative combined capacity building with access to capital.
Sanya said beneficiaries would undergo a five-week training programme by Pan-Atlantic University Enterprise Development Centre, ending with business growth plans.
She said the foundation aimed to build 30,000 female-led businesses in five years, with 10,000 expected to receive funding.
“We believe this partnership with BoI opens the door to scaling women-owned businesses through working capital and equipment financing,” she said.
Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos State governor, described the initiative as timely in tackling unemployment and unlocking women’s economic potential.
Represented by Mrs Oyinlola Agoro, she said equipping women with skills, mentorship and planning tools is vital for resilient enterprises.
Sanwo-Olu commended earlier phases, which trained over 5,700 women and supported 122 beneficiaries with equipment.
“This shows that when women are empowered, families thrive, communities prosper and the economy grows stronger.
“The N1 billion matching fund will deepen financial inclusion and promote women-led enterprises,” she said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives promoting women’s empowerment, economic independence and inclusive development.
News
NSIA Sign MoU with UK’s Asset Green Ltd to Develop $496M Integrated Dairy Livestock Production Platform in Nigeria
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK‑based Asset Green Ltd to advance the development of a large‑scale integrated dairy livestock production and processing platform set to transform Nigeria’s dairy industry and strengthen national food security.
Signed on Tuesday in London ahead of the State Visit, the MoU outlines the framework for collaboration and the project‑development cost commitments leading up to the formal shareholders’ agreement.
This initiative represents one of the most ambitious integrated dairy investments ever undertaken in Nigeria. It will combine 20,000 hectares of climate‑smart, regenerative crop and forage production with a modern 10,000‑milking cow dairy operation, supported by a state‑of‑the‑art processing plant capable of producing fresh milk, milk powders, butter, cream, and up to 15,000 metric tonnes of infant formula annually.
Designed to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported milk powder, the project will modernise agricultural practices, improve nutrition, and integrate up to 10,000 rural households into the supply chain through inclusive out‑grower schemes. Once operational, the platform is expected to generate over US$620 million annually and create 2,500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs nationwide.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said: “Over a decade ago, the UK provided pivotal support to Nigeria in establishing the NSIA, offering legal and financial expertise that helped lay the foundation for its successful launch and strengthening its governance and credibility.
“That early institutional investment has paid dividends, helping to build a resilient Nigerian institution capable of creating jobs and driving transformational, long‑term development.
“The NSIA and Asset Green partnership is a powerful example of how that groundwork continues to deliver impact – a full‑circle moment that reflects the long-term economic cooperation between the UK and Nigeria and the shared commitment to deepening sustainable, private‑sector‑driven growth.”
NSIA Managing Director & CEO, Aminu Umar‑Sadiq, said: “NSIA is pleased to partner with Asset Green on this transformative investment. With a project size of almost US$500 million, this is one of the most ambitious initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food and nutrition security in a generation.
“By combining climate‑smart farming, advanced processing capacity, and inclusive out‑grower participation, we are laying the foundation for a modern, competitive dairy sector that reduces import dependence, creates meaningful jobs, and delivers long‑term value for Nigerians.”
Asset Green Ltd Director & Agrium Capital Ltd CEO, Rod Bassett, said: “This partnership between NSIA and Asset Green is the business and investment innovation required to unlock the potential of the agriculture sector in Nigeria, with the development of such a future (dairy) food system.
“The foundation of the approach is one of collaborating with NSIA and their shared vision and purpose to establish a platform to catalyse the development of such a national strategic priority. We are incredibly proud to partner with Nigeria’s premier investment institution.
“The development of greenfield projects have consistently played a major role in our history, establishing industries or nurturing young businesses that are able to deliver catalytic transformation.
This US$500 million greenfield investment in Nigeria’s dairy industry allows for the development of advanced and necessary infrastructure spanning the full production and supply system to enhance local production, reduce the reliance on the huge imports of dairy goods into Nigeria, deliver environmental services and strengthen national food sovereignty and nutritional resilience.”
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