Recent developments
AI in operations
Industrial AI moved toward scaled deployment. Aramco and Microsoft signed a non-binding MoU to develop Azure-based industrial AI solutions with sovereign controls and to expand skills programs. Siemens raised its fiscal 2026 outlook after a strong Q1 and cited AI as a key driver across design, development, products, and operations.
Data and standards
Data foundations and governance advanced. Sinopec’s MIIT quality certification for its General High-Quality Dataset validated a standardized, model-ready approach supporting molecular understanding and generation. Ercros obtained ISO 42001:2023 certification, formalizing responsible, transparent AI management and risk controls in internal processes.
Shared services digitized
Service platforms and supply-chain support continued to consolidate. BASF is advancing its Global Business Services by centralizing Finance and HR in India and consolidating Supply Chain in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen standardization and automation. ADNOC demonstrated enterprise-wide AI through its Panorama Digital Command Center and AI Lab while expanding LNG offtake with German buyers.
Smart manufacturing investments
Terumo Europe’s Heverlee site retained Factory of the Future status for 2026–2028, recognizing innovation, sustainability, and digitalized processes in needle and solution production. Lilly will build a new manufacturing facility in Lehigh Valley using AI, machine learning, and data analytics to support next‑generation injectable medicines.
Scale, products, and integration
Borouge reported a net profit of $1.1 billion for 2025, record output, and progress on Borouge 4 capacity, with a planned combination with Borealis and NOVA in Q1 2026. Alongside LNG collaborations, RWE and Masdar agreed to explore battery energy storage in Germany, linking energy infrastructure with downstream materials.
Leadership and skills
Kemira has been ranked fifth among Finnish large caps in the 2026 Nordic Business Diversity Index, whose theme examined Leadership in the Age of AI. The Aramco–Microsoft MoU also targets workforce development in Saudi Arabia across AI engineering, cybersecurity, data governance, and product management.