Business Surveys

Further reinforcing trends seen over the last six months, CECP: The CEO Force for Good has drawn together its current research base to develop a series of insights designed to help guide companies as they shape their social strategies, which have gained new global importance given the unique role they are suited to play in this time of sociopolitical uncertainty.

Massive projected surges in data transmission are expected to challenge current network capabilities in the U.S., making where analytics and compute take place increasingly important. With network data expected to grow from 1 trillion gigabytes (1 zettabyte) in 2016 to 180 zettabytes in 2025, what are the implications for data centers and their future infrastructure requirements?

A survey distributed in June by CECP: The CEO Force for Good to the largest global companies asked how corporate environmental strategy stacks up against current Federal and global agreements and regulations. Two-thirds of respondents indicated that their company already goes “beyond what’s required” and is committed to that path.

A new Black & Veatch white paper examines the emerging deployment of edge computing and its impacts on data center infrastructure planning. Developed in partnership with DCD (formerly DatacenterDynamics), the white paper analyzes drivers, use cases and strategies to prepare for the edge computing evolution.

Utilities need to chart an integrated path to service excellence, financial resilience and proactive customer engagement to obtain “world-class” standing. As this year’s Black & Veatch Strategic Directions: Water Industry Report indicates, challenges such as aging infrastructure, loss of talented workforce and financial constraints continue to influence business decisions and utility performance.

Cindy Wallis-Lage, President of Black & Veatch’s water business, discusses the importance of industry collaboration for more sustainable water systems.

Employers and employees may be missing opportunities when it comes to reaping all of the benefits of volunteering in the workplace. Deloitte’s “2017 Volunteerism Survey” of working Americans found that creating a culture of volunteerism may boost morale, workplace atmosphere and brand perception. However, surveyed employees do not view volunteerism as a way to advance their career or develop new skills.

Infrastructure Week 2017 gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the utility leaders whose drive toward a sustainable water future remains constant. On June 6, Black & Veatch will release our 2017 Strategic Directions: Water Industry Report, offering detailed analysis of trends in water technology, financing, safety and other issues.

Infrastructure Week allows us to reflect on the modernization needed to drive the new digital grid. A comprehensive view of the infrastructure elements needed to create a more efficient and sustainable energy landscape should include communications networks and embedded computing. Utilities, technology vendors and community leaders will need to work in collaboration to ensure all elements are considered for the digital grid to thrive.

The rise of the smart city will rely on the ability of stakeholders to collaborate, engage citizens and act on data. Partnerships are hard at work and planning is under way to overcome the legacy of siloed services, focus on integrated systems that will ultimately be more adept at delivering critical services, empower communities and elevate our quality of life.