The TradeTech Paradox Connectivity Amid Fragmentation 2026

Axiom Space – orbital data centres BOX 14 Human capacity, including the skills, adaptability and leadership required to manage complex systems, is an essential part of ensuring a robust and resilient digital infrastructure within the trade stack. Innovations are limited if engineers, technicians and frontline workers lack the technical skills necessary to build, operate and maintain these systems. Thus, without strategic investment in human skills, the connecting fabric will remain underpowered. The human capacity gap becomes especially apparent in times of crisis. Humanitarian logistics accounts for roughly 75% of total relief spending, underscoring the central role of supply chains and human capacity in achieving real-world impact. Yet, amid widespread cuts to the humanitarian sector, digital transformation is essential for organizations to do more with less. As Maria Besiou, Professor of Humanitarian Logistics, and Mojtaba Salem, Assistant Professor of Humanitarian Operations and Management Practice at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) explain, “The imperative is clear: secure funding for digital platforms, build organization-wide digital literacy, and forge partnerships with the private sector for building tailored solutions.”Beyond digital platforms, technology can play a role by strengthening human capacity. However, it is not enough: as Mojtaba Salem and Maria Besiou explain, organizations must also “secure funding for digital platforms, build organization-wide digital literacy, and forge partnerships with the private sector for building tailored solutions.” In this context, technology can also play a vital role. As Mojtaba Salem and Maria Besiou again emphasize, “technology and AI can personalize learning, reduce costs and deliver high-quality training to remote and crisis-affected areas, thereby democratizing expertise.” Therefore, the lesson is clear: there is not only a need for increased human capacity to grow the connective fabric of the trade stack, but also for technology that can help strengthen human capacity. 3.5 Human capacity Finding the human resources capable of implementing and maintaining these technologies so that organizations can benefit from this has been a frustrating task. Rod Franklin, Emeritus Professor of Logistics Practice, Kühne Logistics University (KLU)Looking further ahead, orbital data centres could soon complement terrestrial digital infrastructure. By hosting computing power in space, powered by solar energy and connected through laser links, these centres promise lower latency in intercontinental trade transactions and resilience in times of terrestrial disruption. While still in development, orbital data centres reflect how space will increasingly host not only the infrastructure of observation, but also data processing and decision-making. Source: Axiom Space. As Rajeeshwaran Moorthy, Appointed Advisor for the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs notes, “Orbital data centres won’t just accelerate global data flows, they will allow emerging nations to connect to the digital trade grid on equal footing, creating a more inclusive and resilient future economy.” The TradeTech Paradox: Connectivity Amid Fragmentation 28