Chapter News

OECD | Generative AI set to exacerbate regional divide in OECD countries, says first regional analysis on its impact on local job markets

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) will impact regional local job markets differently across OECD countries, exacerbating existing urban-rural income and productivity gaps as well as the digital divides between regions, according to a new OECD report. Job Creation and Local Economic Development 2024 finds that, following a decade of employment growth, over half of OECD regions had reached employment rates above 70% by 2023, with more women joining the workforce, narrowing the gender gap in labour force participation in 84% of OECD...

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Member News

Cilcare | 10 years of innovation for Making Hearing A Priority

Cilcare is proud to mark a decade of groundbreaking work in hearing loss and tinnitus research. Since our founding in 2014, we have remained committed to driving scientific innovation and advancing solutions to address the global medical need for hearing health treatments. In celebration of this significant milestone, we have released a special video that highlights key achievements, the dedication of our visionary founders, and the unwavering support of our partners, scientific board members, and collaborators. As we look ahead,...

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Member News

ICEX | Spain improves its position in the world ranking for digital competitiveness

The country is in the top ten for variables like bandwidth speed and use of robots in education and R&D. Spain has climbed three places in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2024, the global digital competitiveness ranking compiled by the World Competitiveness Centre (WCC) at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), based in Switzerland. It thus regained the 28th position it occupied in 2022 out of a total of 67 countries, and obtained a score of 70.86 out of 100. The...

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Member News

Vulcan View: The latest EU developments 25 November – 29 November

European Parliament approves von der Leyen’s College of Commissioners On Wednesday, 27 November, MEPs gathered for the European Parliament Plenary on the new College of Commissioners and its programme, to vote on the approval of the new college. The session began with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s speech thanking the outgoing College and sharing an outline of the plan for the new College. Von der Leyen announced her plan for a Competitive Compass, built on the three pillars of...

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Member News, Trade & TTIP Related

Jaguar Freight | The Weekly Roar – Spiking EU/ US air rates, sustainability regulations, more tariff talk for Canada and Mexico, a Panama Canal land bridge, and the increasing threat of supply chain scams.

Airfreight rates between Europe and the Americas have spiked in recent weeks, pushing up global air cargo prices. The main culprit seems to be reduced cargo capacity on these lanes, coupled with seasonal demand. For example, spot rates from Europe are 23% higher than they were at this time last year. Other key routes, such as Asia to the US and Europe are on the rise as well, although increases there are more moderate. Sustainability regulations and compliance are an ongoing...

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Member News

TABS | Crossing Continents: Benelux Ventures Navigating U.S. Expansion

Executive Summary In 2020, TABS conducted its DVITUS (Dutch Ventures in the United States) research, examining the experiences and challenges of Dutch companies expanding to the U.S. This study concluded that while success in the U.S. could be achieved relatively quickly, investment and preparation are crucial due to increasing complexities in international business. TABS performed another research study. This time broadening the scope to include companies from Belgium and Luxembourg. This was done in collaboration with Belcham and Luxembourg Trade and...

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Chapter News

CHIPS for America Announces up to $300 million in Funding to Boost U.S. Semiconductor Packaging

Project in Georgia, California, and Arizona aim to strengthen America's leadership in cutting-edge substrate technology for critical industries like AI Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) is entering negotiations to invest up to $300 million in advanced packaging research projects in Georgia, California, and Arizona to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies essential to the semiconductor industry. The expected recipients are Absolics Inc. in Georgia, Applied Materials Inc. in California, and Arizona State University...

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Member News, Trade & TTIP Related

Jaguar Freight | The Weekly Roar – Shipping under a new administration, new EU FuelEU rules, West Coast rail congestion, dropping diesel prices, and a warning from US Customs and Border Protection.

Ocean shippers may face new challenges following Donald Trump’s reelection. Getting the most attention are the proposed tariffs on imports, particularly targeting China. Higher tariffs could lead to heightened front-loading of imports and higher rates. Medium- and long-term impacts on trade routes could include a growing reliance on Mexico as an alternative entry point into the US, and concerns about the general stability of global supply chains. All of which increases the importance of better supply chain planning by importers. New...

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Member News

Vulcan View: The latest EU developments 18 November – 22 November

Key Takeaways from the Executive Vice-President Hearings The second, and final round of confirmation hearings for the next College of Commissioners took place on Tuesday (12 November). The six Executive Vice-President Hearings are as follows: Kaja Kallas, Executive Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Kallas pledged to work on strengthening the EU’s position in the world and safeguarding its geopolitical and economic security. Kallas has called on the EU to respond to outside threats “without losing who we are”. Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President...

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Member News

AlixPartners | So this is Christmas… how will UK retailers fare?

With the festive season upon us, UK retailers are preparing to hold their ground over the Christmas period. The legacy of inflation still lingers, with the impact of previous price spikes continuing to strain consumer confidence despite inflation rates returning to more stable levels this year.  Last month's Budget compounded these challenges, announcing larger-than-expected increases to the National Living Wage and National Insurance Contributions, bringing particularly difficult news for retail, a sector relying heavily on part-time and lower-income workers.   AlixPartners’ UK Retail...

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