5 must reads for the weekend

We keep our ear to the ground for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know and shape the future with confidence. 

1. The future just got smarter

Agentic AI is an autonomous and adaptable AI that makes decisions and performs tasks independently and it’s revolutionizing the consumer products industry. By driving smarter decision-making and boosting efficiency, this technology allows businesses to optimize inventory, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth by autonomously performing tasks and adapting to changes. For instance, an Inventory Optimization Agent can analyze sales data to ensure products are available when customers need them. As companies embrace this game-changing AI, here’s what they should focus on... 

The future of autonomous systems: agentic AI in consumer products  

2. Driven by power

Europe’s energy future is looking greener, but there's a catch. With renewables expected to make up 72% of the grid by 2030, balancing all that unpredictable wind and sunshine with demand is tricky. Enter electric vehicles (EVs). By 2030, they could store enough power to fuel 30 million homes every year. Thanks to smart charging and vehicles-to-grid (V2G) tech, those parked cars could become energy heroes, storing excess power and sending it back when needed. With more than 820,000 charging points across Europe and more on the way, this shift could save grid operators €4 billion annually and lower costs for EV owners too. It’s a win-win: cleaner energy, cheaper bills, and a smarter grid — all thanks to cars that mostly sit idle. 

Plugging into potential: unleashing the untapped flexibility of EVs  

3. Counting on transparency

In the world of tax compliance, GenAI is here to help tax teams "count" on greater transparency and efficiency. As regulations become more complex, businesses must centralize their data to ensure effective compliance. GenAI automates data collection and validation, allowing tax professionals to focus on strategic insights rather than data management. This technology helps teams quickly analyze tax data, identify anomalies, and adapt to new regulations, ultimately redefining tax transparency and building trust with stakeholders. Embracing GenAI is essential for tax teams to thrive in today's complex landscape. 

Why technology and a solid data foundation are key to tax transparency 

4. The $500B AI gamble

AI is evolving faster than you can say “machine learning,” and the U.S. and China are in a full-on tech sprint. Trump’s 2025 executive order aims to fast-track U.S. AI growth by cutting red tape and boosting workforce skills. On the flip side, China’s DeepSeek is quietly giving Western models a run for their money, thanks to its government-backed efficiency. And then there’s the $500 billion Stargate Project, a bold U.S. push to build AI infrastructure and reduce foreign tech reliance. But as AI races ahead, businesses will need to keep pace with responsible practices — especially around data privacy and ethics. With global competition heating up and regulations looming, companies will need to rethink their strategies and stay ahead of the curve... 

Responsible AI: Evaluating the current state of artificial intelligence 

5. Innovate to elevate

CIOs have a unique chance to shape the future of their organizations. The 2024 EY CIO Sentiment Survey reveals that while many CIOs participate in early transaction stages, only a few stay engaged post close, which is vital for successful integration. To make the most of mergers and acquisitions, CIOs should work on creating a solid IT leadership team, setting up areas for smooth technology transitions, improving contracts with suppliers to save money and leverage GenAI for lasting growth. Here are six steps for CIOs to consider... 

How chief information officers can drive more value in transactions     

If you do one thing: 

Innovate to elevate. 

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