Global Scans · Innovation · Weekly Summary

• [New] The period leading up to 2026 will likely determine whether Vietnam can transition from a high growth emerging economy to a sustainable, innovation driven powerhouse. PDLegal LLC
• [New] North America is expected to grow steadily, supported by a strong innovation network, active venture funding, and clear regulatory rules. Persistence Market Research
• [New] In 2026 and beyond, energy innovation will be paramount to economic success for the U.S. Solar Builder Magazine
• [New] Firms like Oppenheimer and Deutsche Bank are leading the bull case, citing innovation-led earnings growth and potential for further corporate tax cuts. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] 2026 will be a fascinating time for healthcare innovation - a year when much greater decisive action will be in evidence. Digital Health
• [New] By aligning compliance with innovation, Big Tech can unlock AI's full potential while navigating a complex global landscape. Ainvest
• [New] Big Tech faces compliance risks (e.g., Amazon's biased hiring tool) but gains innovation opportunities through agentic AI and ethical frameworks like NIST RMF. Ainvest
• [New] Collaborative leadership that prioritizes innovation and the intentional use of emerging technologies will continue to drive economic growth in Greater Des Moines in 2026. Business Record
• [New] As 2026 approaches, the convergence of Ouroboros Leios, Bitcoin DeFi integration, and Midnight Mainnet will likely solidify Cardano's role as a foundational infrastructure for digital innovation. Ainvest
• [New] In 2026, leading brands will spend more on AI-led innovation, often at the expense of traditional sales, general, and administrative expenses. pharmexec
• [New] Technology (+10.3%), driven by AI-led product launches and innovation in connected ecosystems, is forecast to be the fastest growing sector in 2026, followed closely by government, social, political, and organizations (+10.1%) and beverages (+10.1%). dentsu
• [New] Major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in high-powered chips and vast data centers to build the infrastructure of AI, which they hope will lead the next transformative wave of innovation and economic growth. Nasdaq
• [New] Companies will stop equating massive AI budgets with innovation; 2026 is the shift from exuberance to efficiency. Digiday
• [New] In 2026, KM teams will move beyond counting activities and start tracking real business outcomes: faster decision-making, improved innovation rates, better AI model accuracy, and more. APQC
• [New] In 2026, NFTs are driving innovation across industries with practical applications and transformative potential. Coinmonks
• [New] The pace of innovation in wearable technology is breathtaking, and by 2026, we are set to witness a revolution that will make today's smartwatches look like quaint relics. DSF NEWS
• [New] The key in 2026 will be moving from simple staff augmentation to broader AI application, aligning real technological innovation with current operational models. Mobihealthnews
• [New] The 2026 institutional Layer 2 opportunity is defined by a confluence of regulatory progress, technological innovation, and growing demand for scalable, secure, and privacy-focused infrastructure. Ainvest
• [New] Fujitsu has announced the launch of the $100,000 Quantum Simulator Challenge for the years 2025-2026, aimed at fostering innovation in quantum computing. Qubit Digest
• [New] Current initiatives include electronically linking hotel data with local tourism authorities, with plans to launch projects that diversify tourism products, accelerate innovation through advanced technologies, and embed sustainability across all tourism services by 2026. TravelsDubai: Latest UAE News, Saudia News, Canada news
• [New] The SME innovation model will likely produce 3-5 breakthrough technologies within 18 months, with at least one achieving rapid NATO-wide adoption, fundamentally reshaping alliance procurement culture toward iterative, battlefield-validated capabilities over requirements-driven programs. / UK Drone Warfare
• [New] Bridging the investment gap, embracing technological innovation, and ensuring equitable access will be critical priorities in 2026 - not just to rebuild, but to reinvent what infrastructure means in a rapidly changing world. Connected World
• [New] By Q4 2025, expect models for 22 Indian languages, benchmarks for education, agriculture, and law, and open-source releases to foster innovation - ensuring AI reflects real-world Indian performance. Medium

Last updated: 04 January 2026