Small businesses are embracing AI and digital transformation, with plans to increase technology investments in 2025, according to a survey by JPMorgan Chase. While business leaders are optimistic about growth and profitability, cybersecurity challenges persist, as highlighted by the high incidence of cyberattacks in recent years.

Los Angeles has unveiled a smart city blueprint aimed at transforming the city by the 2028 Summer Olympics. The plan includes a unified digital payment system for public transportation, proactive technology for safety, widespread 5G connectivity, smart kiosks and 10,000 electric vehicle charging stations.

Organizational change often fails due to a lack of buy-in from people, despite having a solid strategy and processes in place, writes Lisa Collinson from Leading Results. Successful change requires aligning strategy, processes and people, with a focus on leadership engagement and clear communication.

Solid-state transformers are emerging as a solution to modernize power grids, addressing the limitations of traditional transformers in handling renewable energy and smart grid demands. Companies like Amperesand and Delta are leading compact and efficient pilot projects, though cost and reliability remain challenges.

Meta has ended major diversity, equity and inclusion programs, citing a changing "legal and policy landscape," and Amazon is scaling back some DEI initiatives. The decision at Meta affects suppliers as well as direct employees, with the company reportedly switching focus to small and medium-sized businesses.  

Medical practices are increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats as they embrace digital transformation, with certain types of practices particularly targeted by ransomware. Jaime Cifuentes of PPM/Ambulatory advises offices to conduct asset-based risk analyses and continuous monitoring to identify and address vulnerabilities. Cifuentes also emphasizes the importance of employee training to combat phishing and social engineering.