Latest news with #AISummit
Business Wire
7 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
The Future of AI in the AEC Industry Unveiled at BST Global's 2025 AI Summit
TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BST Global, the leading provider of AI-powered project intelligence ™ solutions for the AEC industry, hosted its second annual AI Summit, May 6–8, 2025, in Palm Beach, FL. The premier event brought together 12 thought leaders from some of the world's most influential firms, including Arcadis, Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Gensler, GHD, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald, NVIDIA, Parsons, Stantec, and WSP to share insights on how AI is reshaping the future of the AEC industry. Attendees as well as the broader AEC community praised the 2025 AI Summit for its timely content and line-up of industry trailblazers. 'AI is certainly at work. We've seen immense progress in real AI and big data use cases since our inaugural event in 2024, but there is still work to do." Share This year's AI Summit focused exclusively on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in AEC, aiming to equip industry leaders with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate a data-driven, AI-powered future. AI Summit attendees engaged in a dynamic agenda of keynotes, panel discussions, presentations and networking sessions. A major highlight of the event was the debut of the 'AI + Data Insights 2025: Global AEC Industry Report,' based on findings from BST Global's AI + Data Survey. The report underscores the urgent need for firms to embrace AI while managing the associated risks and closing the digital skills gap. Download the full report here. For the first time, the AI Summit featured a Voice of the Client panel, spotlighting perspectives from Aldar Properties PJSC and GE Vernova. These client leaders shared how they're implementing AI across their organizations and what they expect from their AEC partners in the years ahead. As the second AI Summit concluded, Chief Executive Officer Javier A. Baldor shared key observations about the state of the industry: 'AI is certainly at work. We've seen immense progress in real AI and big data use cases since our inaugural event in 2024, but there is still work to do. Our industry is in the process of a transformation, one that will upend the industry's underlying business model and reimagine the future of work, but make no mistake — that transformation will happen.' The 2025 AI Summit reaffirmed BST Global's commitment to leading the AI conversation within the AEC space and facilitating the collaboration necessary to move the industry forward. Event recordings and presentations are available here. BST Global also announced its plans for a third AI Summit in 2026. AEC leaders interested in attending next year's AI Summit can sign up to receive registration alerts. BST GLOBAL ™ solutions. Beyond our flagship ERP offering, we provide work management, predictive insights and resource management solutions to complement a firm's existing ERP. More than 120,000 architects, engineers and consultants in 65 countries across six continents rely on BST Global's solutions each day to successfully manage their projects, resources, finances and client relationships. With unrivaled industry knowledge, BST Global serves as a trusted partner to its loyal clients and remains at the forefront of innovation. For more information, visit
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How the latest US tax bill increases uncertainty for foreign businesses
The US' latest tax bill, officially named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, contains a section that could drastically change the business environment for foreign companies and investors in the US. Section 899 says that the US could increase taxes on foreign investments (such as subsidiaries from non-US multinationals) if these come from countries that the US deems to have unfair trade policies. House Ways and Means Committee chair and Missouri Representative Jason Smith told Axios: 'This is a way to help put them in check, so that they understand that if they do that to our businesses, there will be consequences for their actions. Hopefully it will never take effect.' Under this provision, foreign companies operating in the US, US companies with foreign owners, multinationals and individual foreign investors from "discriminatory foreign countries" could face higher US taxes. This would enable the government to retaliate against countries that have imposed digital services taxes (DSTs) on US tech companies by targeting foreign investments from these countries in the US. It comes a few months after US Vice-President JD Vance visited France for the AI Summit, where he warned Europe against increasing tech regulations. US President Donald Trump has also criticised antitrust and privacy cases being pursued by the EU against big tech companies. Already, the US' dizzying tariff regime was hurting foreign investor confidence in the US. Delegates at the SelectUSA Investment Summit told Investment Monitor that many foreign businesses were delaying plans until they could have a more certain outlook. 'The measure risks detonating investor confidence and could set off a damaging pullback of foreign capital just as the US needs it the most,' Nigel Green, deVere Group's CEO, tells Investment Monitor in a note. 'It punishes the very people whose capital keeps American businesses growing, whose investments fund US debt and whose companies are employing millions of US workers.' 'Other countries won't sit idle while their firms and funds are penalised. They will respond. This means potential tax retaliation, trade frictions and further fragmentation of an already fragile global economic order,' Green says. He also emphasised that US workers would suffer the most severe consequences from this law if it came into effect. Ashley Akin, a tax consultant at RKO Tax and former KPMG manager, tells Investment Monitor over email that this provision 'introduces a real pricing risk for foreign investors and multinational firms'. 'If a country enforces digital taxes that the US finds discriminatory, their businesses operating in the US can face extra taxes starting at 5%, climbing up to 20%. These surcharges can override tax treaties,' Akin outlines. 'Companies doing everything by the book could still get hit, purely because of the tax policy in their home country." Already, the Trump administration has suggested that countries regulating US tech companies abroad could provoke more tariffs. These threats were seemingly aimed at Europe, where regulators have begun cracking down on major tech companies for what they view as privacy breaches and anti-competitive behaviour. Trump's senior trade adviser, Peter Navarro, has accused the EU of using "lawfare [...] to target America's largest tech firms". 'Section 899 is designed to protect US tech giants from what Washington views as targeted digital taxes. It gives the US leverage to push back against European digital services taxes, and it can help these companies negotiate better terms abroad,' Akin says. There is, she adds, a risk of backlash. 'If European countries respond with their own countermeasures, we could see a patchwork of retaliatory rules. That would just create more friction for everyone, not just tech. It is not a clean win [for US tech companies], but it does shift the power dynamic back towards the US,' she notes. The One Big Beautiful Bill passed in the House with 215 votes for and 214 against. Two Republicans joined Democrats in opposing it. It will now be debated in the Senate, where officials will have the opportunity to amend provisions. "How the latest US tax bill increases uncertainty for foreign businesses" was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QU, World Summit AI Qatar ink cooperation agreement
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar University (QU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Summit AI Qatar (InspiredMinds) as part of the university's efforts to advance the knowledge-based economy, promote scientific research, and contribute to building national capacities in the field of artificial intelligence, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country's digital agenda. World Summit AI (WSAI) is the largest recognised AI community globally and has become the most important summit on the planet dedicated to advancing strategies for AI development. Spotlighting the wide-ranging applications, potential risks, inherent benefits, and remarkable opportunities associated with AI advancements worldwide, WSAI has cemented its status as the definitive platform for shaping the future of this transformative technology. The MoU was signed by Dr. Aiman Erbad, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, and Sarah Porter, CEO and Founder of InspiredMinds, the organizing body of the World Summit AI. The signing ceremony was attended by officials from QU, InspiredMinds, and representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Under this agreement, QU will serve as the official exclusive education partner of the AI Summit in Qatar from 2025 to 2028. This partnership will offer unique opportunities for students and faculty to engage with international experts, showcase their research and entrepreneurial projects, and participate in hands-on activities such as specialized classes, advisory clinics, and global discussion sessions. QU reaffirmed its pivotal role as a leading regional centre in artificial intelligence, innovation, and future technologies. The four-year partnership will enhance the university's ability to shape the scientific content of the summit, narrate its strategic journey, and organize high-quality sessions that highlight its academic and research excellence. It will also strengthen local and international partnerships and attract collaborators from various sectors, further establishing QU as a globally impactful academic institution. The World summit AI serves as a prominent platform for transforming academic excellence into tangible impact by spotlighting applied research, student innovations, and emerging technologies in sectors such as health, business, and AI infrastructure. This participation supports the innovation and entrepreneurship framework at QU, reflecting its journey from idea to research, commercialization, and national transformation. In his statement, Dr. Aiman Erbad, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, said, 'This agreement reflects QU's firm commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation and reaffirms the university's leadership in supporting digital transformation and developing AI technologies to benefit both Qatari and global communities. Our new partnership with InspiredMinds will empower our researchers and students to explore the latest advancements in AI and enhance their ability to develop practical solutions across various sectors.' He added that through this collaboration, the university aims to support Qatar's efforts in achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by advancing the knowledge-based economy and developing the research and innovation infrastructure—with a focus on the human and ethical dimensions of building trustworthy and secure intelligent systems. Dr. Erbad emphasized that QU is fully aware of today's global challenges—from economic shifts to rapid technological transformations—which require interdisciplinary research that produces deep, impactful scientific responses. Accordingly, the university has placed scientific research at the core of its vision, mission, and research priorities. Hassan Jassim Al Sayed, minister's advisor and Artificial Intelligence Committee chairman, at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), said, 'We are pleased to have Qatar University on board as the education partner of the World Summit AI Qatar. This partnership is fully aligned with the priorities of the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in building a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and digital technologies.' He added, 'Empowering national talent in the field of artificial intelligence and strengthening collaboration with academic institutions and global tech companies are two foundational pillars in our efforts to develop an advanced and sustainable digital ecosystem. We are confident that this partnership will open new horizons for cutting-edge research, applied projects, and technological innovations that will have a tangible impact on accelerating digital transformation across the country's key sectors.' Sarah Porter, CEO and founder of InspiredMinds, the organizing body of the World AI Summit, also commented, 'Our partnership with Qatar University comes at a critical moment for scientific and technological research. Now is the time to invest in cutting-edge, explorative studies that drive real world impact for humanity, so we are delighted to be partnering with such an institution of academic excellence'.
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QU, World Summit AI Qatar sign MoU to promote scientific research
Qatar University (QU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Summit AI Qatar (InspiredMinds) as part of the university's efforts to advance the knowledge-based economy, promote scientific research, and contribute to building national capacities in artificial intelligence, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country's digital agenda. The MoU was signed by Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU Dr. Aiman Erbad, and CEO and Founder of InspiredMinds Sarah Porter, the organizing body of the World Summit AI. Under the agreement, QU will serve as the official exclusive education partner of the AI Summit in Qatar from 2025 to 2028. The partnership will offer unique opportunities for students and faculty to engage with international experts, showcase their research and entrepreneurial projects, and participate in hands-on activities. (QNA) page 12
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QU and World Summit AI Qatar sign MoU
DOHA: Qatar University (QU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Summit AI Qatar (InspiredMinds) as part of the university's efforts to advance the knowledge-based economy, promote scientific research, and contribute to building national capacities in the field of artificial intelligence, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country's digital agenda. The MoU was signed by Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU Dr Aiman Erbad, and CEO and Founder of InspiredMinds Sarah Porter, the organizing body of the World Summit AI. Under this agreement, QU will serve as the official exclusive education partner of the AI Summit in Qatar from 2025 to 2028. This partnership will offer unique opportunities for students and faculty to engage with international experts, showcase their research and entrepreneurial projects, and participate in hands-on activities such as specialized classes, advisory clinics, and global discussion sessions. In his statement, Dr Erbad said, "This agreement reflects QU's firm commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation and reaffirms the university's leadership in supporting digital transformation and developing AI technologies to benefit both Qatari and global communities. Our new partnership with InspiredMinds will empower our researchers and students to explore the latest advancements in AI and enhance their ability to develop practical solutions across various sectors." He added that through this collaboration, the university aims to support Qatar's efforts in achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by advancing the knowledge-based economy and developing the research and innovation infrastructure with a focus on the human and ethical dimensions of building trustworthy and secure intelligent systems. Dr Erbad emphasized that QU is fully aware of today's global challenges from economic shifts to rapid technological transformations which require interdisciplinary research that produces deep, impactful scientific responses. Accordingly, the university has placed scientific research at the core of its vision, mission, and research priorities. Sarah Porter also commented, "Our partnership with Qatar University comes at a critical moment for scientific and technological research. Now is the time to invest in cutting-edge, explorative studies that drive real world impact for humanity, so we are delighted to be partnering with such an institution of academic excellence." QU reaffirmed its pivotal role as a leading regional center in artificial intelligence, innovation, and future technologies. The four-year partnership will enhance the university's ability to shape the scientific content of the summit, narrate its strategic journey, and organize high-quality sessions that highlight its academic and research excellence. It will also strengthen local and international partnerships and attract collaborators from various sectors, further establishing QU as a globally impactful academic institution.
