Global Scans · Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

• [New] The rest of Africa has limited infrastructure but potential for growth in coastal tourism destinations. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Latin America is projected to see moderate expansion in its yacht transportation sector over the next few years as tourism infrastructure investments mature. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Asia Pacific is anticipated to emerge as the most dynamic region for yacht transportation logistics over the next few years as infrastructure investment continues to rise. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, driven by rising luxury spending, expanding marina infrastructure, and increasing demand for yacht transportation services across emerging economies. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Over the next 10 years, American Water plans to invest approximately $48 billion in capital improvements to its systems, including infrastructure renewal, water quality, resiliency, technology, and water and wastewater system acquisitions. American Water Newsroom
• [New] In light of the growing clinical potential and global demand, the development of a proactive, adaptable, and internationally coherent legal infrastructure is both necessary and increasingly urgent. Ovid
• [New] The Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation has written to the UK government calling for the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement to be used as an opportunity to reduce the burden of unnecessary regulations on the pallet and timber packaging industry. Packaging News
• [New] As electrification of transport, industrial processes, and digital infrastructure accelerates, renewable energy is expected to dominate incremental power capacity additions through 2030. MarkNtel Advisors
• [New] AI could widen economic and political disparities because model development, computing infrastructure, investment, and technical expertise remain concentrated among a few countries and companies. MarketingProfs
• [New] ACI Europe, the industry body representing European airports, reports 328 airports in 38 countries, accounting for 83% of European passenger traffic, have now committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 under their direct control. GreenAir News
• [New] By helping Europe decarbonise its industry and transition away from fossil fuels, hydrogen will play a crucial role in achieving the EU's climate neutrality goals. Climate Action
• [New] On the infrastructure side, Netflix relies on cloud, AI, and data analytics; cyber threats and service outages (cloud or internet backbone failures) can materially impact operations. Risk Intelligence Service
• [New] AI-driven electricity demand is reshaping how digital infrastructure is powered, with data center energy use projected to more than double by 2030 to around 945 TWh [IEA]. Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2026
• [New] Emerging and high-growth economies are expected to account for around 80% of the rise in global electricity demand by 2030 [IEA], driven by energy security needs and industrial expansion. Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2026
• [New] The infrastructure segment is likely to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.5% from 2026 to 2034. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Laparoscopic surgery, which offers benefits like reduced relative infection risk, is underutilized in Sudan and sub-Saharan Africa due to infrastructure, training, and policy challenges. Ovid
• [New] Coordinated planning across hydrogen, electricity and gas infrastructure will be vital to delivering Europe's long-term energy transition. ""
• [New] Henley & Partners The U.S. hotel industry is entering 2026 with a stronger outlook than previously expected. Shaping Tomorrow
• [New] Total industry revenue is forecast to climb to $1.165 trillion, reflecting continued strength in travel demand despite economic uncertainty. Aviation Maintenance Magazine
• [New] Spring 2027 is closer than it appears for businesses with complex digital infrastructure. Arnold & Porter
• [New] Beyond LNG, EU-US cooperation could be expanded beyond LNG to include standard-setting for critical raw materials, key technologies and infrastructure (such as small modular reactors, carbon capture and storage, and grid technologies). Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)

Last updated: 12 July 2026