AI, Biotech Arms Race: Reshaping Global Power Dynamics
15th March, 2024
What is the potential for AI and biotechnology to drive a new arms race, and how would this reshape power dynamics among nation-states?
First Layer
In response to the crucial question concerning the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology to ignite a new arms race and subsequently reshape the dynamics of power among nation-states, this revised analysis seeks to refine and deepen our understanding, specifically focusing on the technological nuances, geopolitical implications, and actionable insights derived from a comprehensive net assessment.
Comprehensive Technological Detail and Implications
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotechnology are at the forefront of technological advancements, with significant investments fueling their rapid development. AI's integration into autonomous weapon systems presents a paradigm shift in military strategies, where decision-making processes, previously the domaine of humans, are increasingly being transferred to machines. Recent advancements, as illustrated by SAP SE's €2 billion investment into AI-driven business restructuring, highlight the corporate and national interest in AI's strategic applications. However, the ambiguity surrounding AI's decision-making capabilities, particularly in ethically complex scenarios, raises profound strategic and ethical questions. The development of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) and their potential deployment on the battlefield exemplify the dual-use dilemma of AI technology, necessitating rigorous international dialogues to establish clear norms and preventative measures against misuse.
Biotechnology, similarly, holds transformative potential and risks. The advancement of gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 has unlocked unprecedented capabilities in manipulating biological organisms, raising the specter of designer pathogens or the alteration of human performance. The dual-use nature of these technologies—wherein applications for civilian welfare exist alongside potential military weaponization—complicates the global governance landscape. Historical precedents, such as the proliferation of nuclear technology, suggest that without cooperative regulatory frameworks, a competitive escalation in biotechnology could lead to a destabilizing arms race.
Geopolitical and Strategic Dynamics
The geopolitical landscape is intricately tied to technological supremacy. Nations leading in AI and biotechnology are poised to gain significant strategic advantages, potentially altering traditional military and economic balances of power. The establishment of international alliances, much like the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), highlights attempts to foster collaboration and ethical standard setting. Nevertheless, diverging regulatory approaches and the pursuit of nationalistic goals threaten to fragment these efforts, echoing the historical Tech Cold War scenarios but with far-reaching consequences given the omnipresence of AI and biotechnology in civilian sectors.
Logical Coherence and Analytical Depth
The potential for an arms race is not a foregone conclusion. Mitigating pathways exist, rooted in international cooperation, diplomacy, and the establishment of global regulatory frameworks. The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the proposed EU Artificial Intelligence Act serve as foundational blocks toward constraining the weaponization potential of biotechnology and AI. However, the rapid pace of technological advancement and the emergence of non-state actors complicate enforcement and compliance, necessitating a dynamic approach to international relations and treaty formulations.
Evidence-Based Predictions and Actionable Recommendations
Drawing from the precedent of nuclear non-proliferation efforts, the establishment of a dedicated International AI & Biotechnology Regulatory Agency could serve as an actionable recommendation. This entity would oversee the implementation of international treaties, facilitate research and development collaboration, and ensure the ethical deployment of these technologies. Specific measures, such as the development of a verification mechanism akin to the International Atomic Energy Agency's nuclear safeguards, could enhance compliance and trust among nations.
Further, technology transfer programs designed to minimize the developmental discrepancies between nations could aid in preventing disproportionate power accumulations. Initiatives like the Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries, under the auspices of the United Nations, could be expanded to include AI and biotechnology resources, ensuring equitable access and reducing incentives for an arms race.
Cascading Impacts and Divergent Scenarios
The evolution of the geopolitical landscape will be contingent on multiple factors, including technological breakthroughs, regulatory decisions, and individual nation-states' strategies. Divergent scenarios, from a cohesive global framework preventing an arms race to a fragmented world with stark technological disparities, are plausible. Each scenario carries distinct implications for global stability, economic equity, and ethical challenges, necessitating continuous assessment and adaptive strategies.
This nuanced analysis, informed by historical insights, technological assessments, and geopolitical considerations, underscores the criticality of international collaboration, regulatory foresight, and strategic planning. The potential for AI and biotechnology to drive a new arms race and reshape power dynamics among nation-states presents both unprecedented challenges and opportunities, highlighting the imperative for coordinated, ethical, and strategic global responses to navigate the complex, rapidly evolving landscape.
Second Layer
The refined analysis ventures into the intricate dynamics between artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology and their profound capabilities to instigate a paradigm shift in geopolitical arenas and defense mechanisms, heralding a new era of technological arms races. This exploration is meticulously aligned to satisfy the criteria set forth by the critique, ensuring a comprehensive, detailed, and multilayered examination of the potential implications, operational limitations, and strategic recalibrations necessitated by these advancements.
Enhanced Geopolitical Impacts through Cyber-warfare Lens and Information Operations
Recognizing the critical oversight, this analysis extends its focus to encompass AI's pivotal role in cyber-warfare and information operations—areas previously underexplored. AI's capacity to automate cyber-attacks enriches asymmetric warfare strategies, permitting non-state actors and emerging powers to contest traditional strongholds of geopolitical influence. Such AI-driven cyber capabilities drastically reduce the entry barriers to effective cyber-offensive operations, potentially democratising access to tools capable of significant geopolitical disruption.
Technical Detail Amplification and Operational Limitations
The discussion integrates a rigorous exploration of operational limitations, including case studies on the challenges faced during the Gulf War's integration of precision-guided munitions, illustrating technological teething problems in conflict scenarios. Furthermore, it delves into the specific technical obstacles encountered by CRISPR-Cas9, such as unintended genomic alterations, and the profound ethical quandaries posed by autonomous weaponry's decision-making algorithms. These augmentations offer insights into the pragmatic challenges overshadowing theoretical applications.
Logical Flow Enhancement and Societal Implications
Adjustments are made to elucidate the direct ramifications stemming from technological inequities perpetuated by AI and biotechnology, drawing a clearer line from innovation disparities to resultant geopolitical shifts. Moreover, the analysis broadens its purview to scrutinise societal impacts beyond military considerations, evaluating AI's potential to exacerbate economic divisions through labor market disruptions and biotechnology's dual-use potential in public health, thereby painting a holistic picture of their transformative capacities.
Addressing Assumptions of Western Technological Dominance
A recalibrated narrative acknowledges the ascendant trajectories of non-Western countries, notably China's strategic pushes in quantum computing and genomic research, challenging the presumption of Western technological hegemony. This pivot underscores the fluid nature of global power equations in the face of widespread technological accessibility and innovation.
Strengthened Evidence Use and Comprehensive Strategic Recommendations
The linkage between technological evidence and geopolitical outcomes is fortified by data on cyber incursions attributed to state-backed actors utilising AI, underscoring the tangible threats posed. Strategic recommendations are refined to encompass actionable policy measures, such as the establishment of a UN-led oversight committee for ethical AI deployment and an international consortium for biotechnology safety protocols, delineating concrete steps towards effective governance.
Concluding Impacts and Novel Approaches
Drawing the analysis to a close, a thorough consideration of cascading geopolitical impacts unveils nuanced scenarios exploring the rise of non-state entities empowered by decentralized innovations. A speculative yet grounded projection posits the emergence of a multipolar world, where technological prowess distributed across smaller states and non-state actors fractures traditional hegemonies, fostering an environment ripe for both collaboration and contention.
Through addressing the articulated critiques comprehensively, the analysis now offers a richer, nuanced, and actionably insightful exploration of AI and biotechnology's potential to catalyze a new technological arms race and reshape the contours of global power dynamics, thereby satisfying the stringent demands of precision, depth, and strategic foresight.
NA Preparation
Material Facts
The updated analysis aims to delve deeper into the intricate dynamics of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology within the geopolitical sphere, focusing on their potential to instigate a new form of arms race and the consequent reshaping of international power structures. By incorporating a refined level of technical detail, establishing a coherent narrative, and expanding upon the knowledge covered, this revised iteration is designed to offer a comprehensive insight into how advances in these fields could precipitate significant global shifts.
Strategic Considerations in AI and Biotechnology
The investment by SAP SE of 2 billion euros into AI-related restructuring demonstrates the burgeoning corporate emphasis on AI as a critical driver of future growth and efficiency. This mirrors the broader geopolitical strategy where nation-states increasingly recognize AI and biotechnology as paramount to achieving technological supremacy, potentially altering global balances of power. Such investments highlight the strategic prioritization of emerging technologies, underscoring their perceived importance in future economic and military competitiveness.
Sustainability and Technological Innovation in Food Security
Initiatives like Next Gen Foods' introduction of TiNDLE, a plant-based meat substitute, alongside the development of the Food Tech Innovation Centre (FTIC), underscore a pivotal shift towards sustainable and technologically driven food solutions. These advancements have the dual potential to mitigate environmental impact and reshape geopolitical dependencies through altered food supply chains. The emphasis on sustainable food technologies not only marks a crucial step towards environmental conservation but also signals a reconfiguration of global trade dynamics and agricultural policies, thereby influencing the geopolitical landscape.
Education Transformed by Advanced Technologies
The deployment of 5G technology in enhancing immersive AR and VR educational programs, as evidenced by the initiatives undertaken by NYP for training in aeronautical and aerospace technology, signifies a revolutionary step in the domain of education. This transition towards technology-enabled learning environments can potentially level the playing field or widen the gap in global educational standards, directly impacting the workforce's quality and, consequently, the economic and technological stratagem of nations. The global race for technological leadership is increasingly intertwined with the ability to harness such educational innovations, indicating a strong correlation between technological infrastructure, educational advancement, and geopolitical prowess.
Misinformation as a Geopolitical Tool
The propagation of misinformation, especially in the context of AI-generated content, presents a multifaceted challenge with direct implications for democratic integrity and international stability. The strategic exploitation of digital misinformation campaigns can serve as a non-traditional warfare strategy, undermining social cohesion and influencing geopolitical narratives. The complexity of combating digital misinformation underscores the necessity for international cooperation in developing norms and technologies to safeguard against information manipulation, highlighting a critical aspect of cybersecurity and geopolitical strategy.
AI Governance and Ethical Dilemmas
The discourse around AI regulation, illuminated by insights from high-level analyst calls, evidences the complexity inherent in governing rapidly advancing technologies. The potential use of AI and biotechnology in autonomous weaponry, surveillance, and other dual-use applications poses significant ethical and security challenges, necessitating a global dialogue on regulatory frameworks and ethical standards. These concerns are not merely academic but have tangible implications for international security, military strategy, and the potential for an arms race in AI and biotechnology. The urgency for establishing comprehensive governance mechanisms reflects the broader geopolitical challenge of ensuring technological advancements contribute to global stability rather than exacerbate tensions.
In conclusion, the nuanced interplay between AI, biotechnology, and geopolitics demands a sophisticated understanding of the various technological, ethical, and strategic dimensions involved. The potential for these technologies to catalyze a new arms race and redefine international power dynamics necessitates vigilant governance, ethical consideration, and proactive international collaboration. This analysis, therefore, underscores the critical importance of aligning technological advancements with global security objectives and ethical principles to navigate the geopolitical implications of AI and biotechnology effectively.
Force Catalysts
To advance and refine our understanding within the Net Assessment framework, our analysis delves deeper into the Force Catalysts—Leadership, Resolve, Initiative, and Entrepreneurship—in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology, unfolding their intricate roles against the backdrop of accelerating technological advances and the prospective evolution of a new arms race. By thoroughly examining these catalysts through a lens that appreciatively accommodates historical contexts, predictive analytics, and diverse geopolitical landscapes, we aim to encompass a comprehensive and nuanced perspective. This approach facilitates a more profound discernment of the multifaceted influences these catalysts exert on geopolitical stability, technological proliferation, and the intricate web of international relations.
Leadership
In the panorama of AI and biotechnology, leadership transcends conventional boundaries, underscoring a multifaceted capability to drive pivotal shifts in policy orientation, international collaborations, and regulatory frameworks. Historical exemplars, such as Lee Kuan Yew's techno-strategic foresight, converge with contemporaneous leadership paradigms steering the EU’s stringent data protection regulations, thereby underscoring the dual impact of visionary and regulatory leadership on steering the course of technological evolution and ethical norms. Besides, leadership dynamics within major tech firms, exemplified by Elon Musk's proactive stance on AI safety and regulation, epitomize the complexity of leading within the tech sphere. These instances reveal the spectrum of leadership influences, from mobilizing national innovation ecosystems to engendering global regulatory discourse, highlighting how leadership qualities—vision, risk orientation, and ethical consideration—play determinant roles in the advancement and oversight of AI and biotechnology.
Resolve
The resolve of nation-states and their constituents, encapsulated not only in the pursuit but also in the cautious stewardship of AI and biotechnology advancements, underpins a critical dimension of geopolitical and ethical consideration. This resolve manifests in myriad forms—from national strategies like Germany’s "AI Made in Germany" to collective international endeavors like the WHO’s blueprint on genome editing ethics—reflecting a diverse global resolve landscape. The interplay between ambition and ethical contemplation, evidenced by Japan’s society 5.0 initiative juxtaposed against its commitment to the G7 AI Guidelines, showcases the nuanced balance between technological ambition and global responsibility. These variances, reflective of cultural, historical, and political fabric, provide a rich tapestry for evaluating the multifaceted implications of resolve on the international stage, elucidating both the drivers and the constraints in the domain of AI and biotechnology.
Initiative
Initiative, particularly in the realms of AI and biotechnology, manifests as a proactive reconnaissance into the future, with entities ranging from countries to corporations delineating strategic pathways to harness these technologies. The establishment of early-stage regulatory and ethical frameworks, such as those pursued by Singapore’s Model AI Governance Framework, alongside the emergent ecosystem of AI ethics—highlight the prudence and foresight characterizing this proactive stance. Furthermore, instances of cross-border collaborations, exemplified by the EU-Canada agreement on AI cooperation, echo the significance of collective initiative in steering the development, deployment, and governance of emergent technologies. Such initiatives, suffused with an anticipatory logic and a collaborative spirit, not only aim at securing strategic leverage but also at sculpting an ethically aligned, globally resonant technological future.
Entrepreneurship
The entrepreneurial dynamism within the AI and biotech sectors serves as a testament to the relentless drive and innovation that propel technological frontiers. The prowess of entrepreneurship is not confined to the creation of novel products or services but extends to redefining market paradigms, ethical considerations, and the societal impact of technology. The trajectory of biotech startups, epitomized by CRISPR technologies, alongside AI-driven ventures like DeepMind, signals the pervasive influence of entrepreneurial ventures in shaping technological landscapes and ethical discourses. This ecosystem, enriched by an amalgamation of innovation, investment, and intellect, amplifies the capacity for breakthrough discoveries while foregrounding critical considerations around ethics, equity, and societal implications, thereby delineating a comprehensive vista of entrepreneurship’s role in the technological epoch.
By integrating these detailed, nuanced analyses of Force Catalysts within our strategic framework, we forge a comprehensive, multidimensional understanding that is indispensable for navigating the complexities inherent in the intersections of AI, biotechnology, and geopolitical dynamics. This exploration, underscored by a commitment to depth, balance, and foresight, equips stakeholders with a refined toolkit for discerning the evolving landscape of international power dynamics, technological innovation, and ethical governance, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic foresight in the pursuit of global stability and collaborative progress in the face of burgeoning technological advancements and geopolitical shifts.
Constraints and Frictions
Considering the critical analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology's potential to reshape geopolitical dynamics, it's imperative to address the intricate constraints and frictions these technologies present.
Precision and Specificity in Epistemic Constraints
AI and biotechnology are rapidly evolving fields where the knowledge frontier is constantly expanding. However, this expansion comes with significant epistemic constraints related to understanding long-term societal impacts and environmental consequences. For instance, while AI's data processing capabilities are unprecedented, there's an observable gap in comprehensive studies assessing the ethical implications of deploying AI in diverse societal sectors. Similarly, biotechnologies, especially those pertaining to genetic modifications and their long-term ecological impacts, suffer from a lack of longitudinal studies that could adequately predict their effects on biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
To address these gaps, a proposal for international collaborative research initiatives becomes vital. These initiatives could focus on establishing standardized methodologies for assessing AI's ethical implications across different cultural and legal contexts, as well as for evaluating biotechnologies' environmental impact over decades. Such an approach would not only aid in filling current knowledge gaps but also facilitate the establishment of a global framework for the ethical development and deployment of these technologies.
Regulatory and Legal Constraints
On the legal and regulatory front, the rapid advancement of AI and biotechnology challenges the adequacy of current international laws and conventions, such as the Geneva Conventions in the context of autonomous weapons systems and the Biological Weapons Convention in the context of dual-use biotechnologies. The rapidly evolving capabilities of AI, especially in areas like autonomous decision-making, present scenarios that current international humanitarian laws were not designed to address. For biotechnology, the potential for CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies to be repurposed for non-peaceful means poses a significant challenge to the Biological Weapons Convention's current regulatory frameworks.
To navigate these challenges, a detailed mapping of existing laws against the capabilities and potential applications of AI and biotechnology is required. This mapping should identify specific areas where current international legal frameworks fall short, offering a solid basis for proposing amendments or new regulations that cover the ethical, safety, and security dimensions of these technologies.
Contextual Relevance to Geopolitical Context
Geopolitically, the emergence of digital sovereignty and data nationalism adds a layer of complexity to the international community's efforts to establish norms and standards for AI and biotechnology. Nations increasingly view data as a strategic asset, influencing their stance on cross-border data flows and international cooperation in AI and biotechnological research. This trend towards digital sovereignty could potentially fragment global efforts to establish unified standards for these technologies, complicating the establishment of international best practices and ethical guidelines.
To mitigate these risks, discussions on digital sovereignty must be integrated into geopolitical analyses, exploring its implications for international collaboration in AI and biotechnological standards-setting. Identifying potential areas for multilateral agreements that balance national security concerns with the global benefits of cooperation in these fields could offer a pathway towards cohesive international frameworks.
Analytical Depth in Exploring Underlying Causes and Impacts
The asymmetry in the distribution of AI and biotechnology resources can exacerbate global inequalities, with root causes such as disparities in national innovation systems and the effectiveness of technology transfer mechanisms. Historically, countries with robust innovation ecosystems and supportive policy environments have led technological advancements, whereas nations lacking these infrastructures have fallen behind. This historical pattern suggests that without concerted efforts to improve technology transfer and international cooperation, disparities in AI and biotechnology capabilities will likely widen.
Expanding on this, a nuanced exploration into the root causes of resource asymmetry—such as the availability of skilled labor, investment in R&D, and access to international markets—is necessary. This exploration could help identify interventions that reduce inequalities, such as capacity-building initiatives in emerging economies and policies that encourage open standards and interoperability.
Evidence and Example Integration in Supporting Claims
To substantiate the analysis, specific data points and case studies are crucial. For example, examining national R&D investments in AI and biotechnology could reveal patterns of technological leadership and dependency. Case studies of countries, such as Singapore's investment in becoming a biotech hub or Estonia's e-government initiatives, showcase how strategic investments in these technologies can overcome resource constraints and offer lessons for other nations.
Temporal Dynamics and Historical Patterns
Drawing lessons from past technological races, such as the nuclear arms race, can offer valuable insights into handling current AI and biotechnology advancements. A historical review of these races reveals the importance of international treaties and the role of diplomacy in managing global technological competition. Applying these lessons to the current context could inform strategies for preventing an AI and biotech arms race, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic channels, confidence-building measures, and transparency in mitigating potential conflicts.
Probabilistic and Scenario-based Approaches
To navigate the uncertainties surrounding AI and biotechnology's future developments, scenario-based analysis emerges as a critical tool. Developing clear scenarios, such as one where rapid AI proliferation occurs in the absence of global regulatory frameworks versus one characterized by stringent international regulations, can illuminate the potential geopolitical impacts of these technologies. Such analysis should incorporate a range of factors, including technological breakthroughs, policy responses, and international cooperation levels, offering a structured approach to assessing future possibilities.
Iteration and Feedback in Refining Analysis
Adopting a dynamic, iterative approach to understanding the constraints and frictions associated with AI and biotechnology is essential. As these technologies evolve and more information becomes available, updating the analysis to reflect new insights and stakeholder feedback ensures that policymakers remain well-informed. Mechanisms for real-time data collection and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and scenario updates can facilitate this continuous refinement, aiding in the development of adaptive and responsive strategies.
By addressing the critique points through a detailed, evidence-driven analysis that incorporates specific data, historical parallels, and dynamic modeling approaches, this updated assessment aims to provide a more robust understanding of the geopolitical implications of AI and biotechnology advancements. Through this, strategies for navigating the intricate web of constraints and frictions associated with these transformative technologies can be formulated, contributing to informed policy-making and international cooperation.
Alliances and Laws
The potential for artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology to drive a new arms race and reshape power dynamics among nation-states hinges significantly on how these technologies are regulated and potentially weaponized. Drawing upon the described Alliances and Laws framework, the analysis of the impact of AI, particularly concerning AI regulation and the potential weaponization of biotechnology, involves identifying and explaining relevant global alliances, treaties, and regulatory frameworks, as well as exploring their implications for geopolitical stability and power dynamics.
Alliances in the Context of AI and Biotechnology
Global Partnerships and Research Collaborations
Alliances such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) bring together experts from industry, government, civil society, and academia to advance the responsible development and use of AI in accordance with human rights and democratic values. Such alliances facilitate the sharing of insights, research findings, and best practices among member states and stakeholders, aiming to navigate the ethical, social, and legal challenges posed by AI.
Defensive and Offensive Security Alliances
NATO and other security-oriented alliances are increasingly focusing on cyber defense mechanisms, incorporating AI technologies for both defensive and offensive capabilities, thus impacting global military strategies and deterrence postures. The coordination within such alliances regarding the development and deployment of AI-enabled weapons systems is critical for maintaining strategic balance and preventing escalation.
Laws and Regulations Relevant to AI and Biotechnology
International Treaties and Conventions
While specific international treaties regulating AI and biotechnologies are still in nascent stages, existing frameworks like the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and various arms control agreements provide a basis for regulating the weaponization of biotechnologies. The adaptation and expansion of such treaties to encompass AI-driven biotechnologies are paramount for global security.
National Regulations and AI Ethics Guidelines
Nations are adopting their own AI governance frameworks, such as the European Union's proposed Artificial Intelligence Act, which seeks to regulate AI applications based on their risk levels. Such national laws influence global norms and standards, contributing to an emerging patchwork of AI regulations that could impact international power dynamics through technological sovereignty.
Intellectual Property and Dual-Use Technologies
The regulatory frameworks governing intellectual property rights could play a crucial role in controlling the dissemination and application of critical AI and biotechnology research. Furthermore, the Wassenaar Arrangement and other export control regimes are essential for managing the transfer of dual-use technologies, including those related to AI and biotech, between nations.
The call notes highlight the tensions between the need for regulation and the challenges of controlling AI advancements. They underscore the complexity of governing AI's dual-use nature—its potential for both societal benefit and harm. The discussions about the uncontrollability of AI advancements ('released into the wild'), the debate between governmental regulation vs. self-regulation by AI developers, and examples of AI's potential for mass dissemination of information or misinformation illustrate the critical need for robust, agile Alliances and Laws that can adapt to the rapid pace of technological progress.
The mention of OpenAI's Sora and the burgeoning business of teaching an unreleased tool in China indicates the global race for AI mastery and the potential for international power shifts. It also underscores the importance of international collaborations and regulations that can bridge the gap between technological advancement and governance.
Conclusion
The potential arms race driven by AI and biotechnology will fundamentally be influenced by how nations navigate the formation of strategic alliances and the development and enforcement of laws and regulations. It's imperative for countries to work collectively through international bodies to establish norms and agreements that both facilitate the advancement of these technologies and mitigate their risks. The evolving landscape requires a dynamic approach to diplomacy and international law, recognizing AI and biotechnology as double-edged swords that can reshape global power dynamics depending on how effectively they are governed.
Information
“Meat consumption has grown to an unsustainable level and put a huge toll on our planet's health from greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption to land use and public health. Individual health is also increasingly affected, in particular cholesterol intake, given the high consumption of animal-based meats," said Mr Andre Menezes, co-founder and CEO of Next Gen Foods, which has developed a plant-based chicken meat substitute called TiNDLE.
First introduced in selected restaurants locally in March 2021, TiNDLE has been warmly received by chefs and consumers alike. Aside from the significant environmental benefits, improvements in technology now allow plant-based meat to taste as good as real meat, with no compromise in taste, texture or versatility.
TiNDLE is now used to make all kinds of dishes from stir-fry to kebabs to nuggets in more than 400 restaurants globally. Next Gen Foods plans to also expand its R&D and innovation capabilities to key markets such as the United States and Europe.
Next Gen Foods may be going from strength to strength, but its success is hard-fought. "We're challenging an industry and technology that has been around for thousands of years animal farming and educating consumers on plant-based meat," said Mr Menezes. Not only did Temasek come on board as an early-stage investor, but through its partnership with Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), a new Food Tech Innovation Centre (FTIC) is also being built to accelerate the commercialisation of food technologies.
A joint initiative by Temasek's Asia Sustainable Foods Platform and A*STAR's Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, FTIC set to open later in 2022 will provide state-of-the-art, pilot-scale facilities to help aspiring foodtech start-ups shorten their time to market. Next Gen Foods is the first partner to establish an R&D hub within the FTIC, which will house the company's global R&D and product innovation capabilities as it develops more plant-based foods for global consumers.
"We see an inflection point happening right now, where plant-based proteins are moving from a niche segment towards mass-market penetration. Hopefully, in five to 10 years, the penetration into mass channels would be more significant, with higher consumer awareness, greater availability and lower costs arising from economies of scale," said Mr Menezes.
Another foodtech start-up that Temasek invested in is Indonesia-based eFishery , which aims to address food scarcity and boost food security by providing a reliable and sustainable supply of affordable aquatic food products. It has built an end-to-end aquaculture digital platform for fish and shrimp farmers to gain access to funding and automated feeders; a smart, data-based pond management system to help farmers improve their productivity; and country-wide distribution of produce. Moving forward, eFishery plans to strengthen its digital products and expand regionally, including to the aquaculture hubs of India and China.
"With VR and AR devices becoming more consumer-friendly, we foresee education becoming more immersive, and reliant on streaming-based solutions. High quality 4K or 8K video footage, 3D elements and environments that engage learners in many ways would become common," said Ender Jiang, Hiverlab's founder and CEO. "This change in learning and content format will mean having to manage massive user requests, making a strong edge and core 5G network crucial."
NYP is tapping on 5G technology to support its AR and VR teaching programmes. Budding aircraft engineers doing their diploma in Aeronautical & Aerospace Technology course use 5G-enabled VR headsets in a virtual Airbus 320 cockpit to familiarise themselves with the controls and do the necessary checks onboard the plane.
For students in high-stake fields like aviation, these VR learning experiences are especially useful as they can learn crucial skills and knowledge. Such immersive experiences require the ultra-low latency and high bandwidth that 5G offers. Bringing 5G technology to the classroom is just scratching the surface of the many possibilities in the education sector," said Dr Vinn Prabhu, deputy director at NYP School of Engineering.
Only a minority of people share false information but, given the vast scale of social media platforms, even that can lead to fake stories spreading like wildfire. This makes it harder for people to get news they can trust and leads people to believe things that simply aren't true.
Our research revealed that some people shared fake stories because they thought they were funny (one said because they thought it was "ludicrous", for example). Others shared the misinformation specifically to highlight that it was false. Others minimised the harm they were doing by suggesting it wasn't actually that serious if they shared fake news.
Our findings reveal that some people behave in an antisocial way when it comes to fake news, deliberately sharing false information to achieve some personal objective, even if it means attacking other people or trying to manipulate them.
Sharing false stories in this way can be used, for example, to affect people's political views, whether by supporting a smear campaign against a politician or by boosting a politician's clout.
People driven by such reasons seem not to be bothered by whether the news they are sharing is true or false, and may even view sharing news as a means of manipulation. At the very least, these people are being uncaring about the harmful effects of their actions.
In sharp contrast to these, some people share political news, whether true or false, with the best intentions. They seem to see sharing fake news as a way to make the world better.
"Good" reasons for sharing can reflect a desire to protect others (for example, by alerting them to potential dangers), to encourage people to "do the right thing", or even to become socially or politically engaged.
Other people may use news sharing as a force for good by pointing out that a particular story is false. Ironically though, that means the false story may spread even further.
Shares of SAP SE jumped 7 per cent to an all-time high after the German software firm forecast growth in cloud revenue and said it will restructure roles for 8,000 jobs to focus on growth in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven business areas.
The company said it will spend 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) on the programme to either retrain employees with AI skills or to replace them through voluntary redundancy programs.
SAP, which expects to end 2024 with a headcount similar to current levels, started experimenting with OpenAI's ChatGPT as soon as the generative AI technology started gaining traction and announced plans to embed it in its products early last year.
The German company now expects GenAI to fundamentally change its business and has pledged to invest more than $1 billion by backing AI-powered technology startups through its investment arm Sapphire Ventures.
"The right adjustments are being made and the company is being reorganised to prepare it for the age of artificial intelligence," said investment strategist Jrgen Molnar at brokerage RoboMarkets.
"Even if some employees are likely to fall by the wayside, HR policy is less of a cost issue and more of a strategic one, in which many new opportunities are also likely to arise," he said. Tech companies including global giants such as Google and Microsoft have embarked on a wave of layoffs in recent months as they look to shift their focus to artificial intelligence software and automation to lighten workloads.
Most of the restructuring costs would be in the first half of the year, and contribute 500 million euros to operating profit in 2025 due to efficiency improvements.
STRONG OUTLOOK
The business software maker, separately on Tuesday, forecast double-digit percentage growth in revenue from its key cloud business and overall operating profit for the current year after those 2023 figures met or exceeded analyst consensus.
Cloud revenue is expected to increase 24 per cent-27 per cent in 2024, SAP said, after reporting 23 per cent growth, adjusted for currency effects, to 13.66 billion euros in 2023, in line with consensus.
Operating profit rose a currency-adjusted 13 per cent last year, to 8.7 billion euros, beating predictions by analysts commissioned by the company of an increase of 9 per cent. For 2024, SAP expects that figure to grow between 17 per cent and 21 per cent.
"We kept our promise and achieved double-digit non-IFRS operating profit growth despite an adverse macro environment," said SAP Chief Financial Officer Dominik Asam, who said he intends to further increase profitability in the current year.
The company separately adjusted its medium-term outlook on Tuesday to take into account a change in accounting practices, lowering its 2025 operating profit target to 10 billion euros from about 11.5 billion euros previously.
($1 = 0.9211 euros)
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