2.3 Technology Technology FIGURE 7 Technology is increasingly being viewed as a key driver of global power, affecting everything from labour markets to international competitiveness.7 Cultivating a robust technology network – through innovation hubs, intellectual property protection and a forward-looking regulatory environment – will therefore be a key differentiating factor. Countries that support the integration of advanced technologies for companies of all sizes – including small and medium-sized enterprises – and across industries can not only boost productivity but also enhance their strategic positions in global value chains. Using the indices described in the production readiness model (see Appendix 1), the top three strongest-performing markets for technology readiness, innovation systems and cybersecurity capability, among other factors, were the US (converger), Switzerland (scaler) and Singapore (scaler). Technology, and particularly AI, makes data the new gold, acting as the gateway to knowledge management and amplifying the power of information. As nations, from the US and China to tech hubs like Israel, fiercely compete for dominance in this arena, technology emerges not only as a critical driver of global competitive capability but also as a key enabler of national growth, despite the geopolitical tensions. Bart Talloen, Former Vice-President, Supply Chain Innovation, Johnson & Johnson (1996-2023)Sub-factors Innovation ecosystem Presence of research and development institutions, innovation hubs and start-ups Technology adoption Rate of adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, automation and digital transformation Intellectual property Strength of intellectual property laws and enforcement to protect innovations Indices Digital technology readiness Presence of innovation hubs and startups Innovation ecosystem Access to capital for technology projects High-technology exports Digital competitiveness Advanced technologies adoption Information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure development Intellectual property regime Cybersecurity Environmental, social Geopolitical regulatory and skillsResourcesInfrastructure Technologyand governance landscape Fiscal and Labourand energy Source: World Economic Forum in collaboration with Kearney. Beyond Cost: Country Readiness for the Future of Manufacturing and Supply Chains 14

Beyond Cost 2024