A new book examines how businesses can stay competitive in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, rapid technological change and economic disruption.

New research suggests electricity demand from data centers and cryptocurrency mining is likely to increase power costs in some parts of the country by up to 57% by 2030, with a national average increase of 6%-29%. Electricity demand related to data centers is also likely to increase CO2 emissions by up to 28% by 2030, relative to a future with no data center growth.

Construction SMEs in emerging economies are under increasing pressure to improve sustainability while remaining competitive in rapidly changing markets. A new study examining Pakistan’s construction sector found that green product innovation, AI adoption, and institutional support are critical drivers of sustainable competitive advantage.

Researchers surveyed 228 construction SMEs and found that financial resources alone are not enough to generate long-term sustainability benefits unless they are directed toward green innovation strategies such as eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient construction methods, and sustainable product development. The study revealed that green product innovation plays a key mediating role between financial resources and business performance.

The findings also showed that AI adoption significantly strengthens the positive effects of green innovation. Technologies including predictive analytics, digital twins, generative design, and AI-driven logistics optimization help firms improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance environmental performance.

Institutional support, including clear environmental regulations, sustainability incentives, and access to green finance, was also found to strengthen firms’ ability to convert financial resources into sustainable innovation. Researchers noted that regulatory clarity and long-term policy consistency are particularly important for accelerating sustainable transformation among SMEs.

The study highlights that sustainable competitive advantage emerges from the coordinated interaction of financial resources, green innovation, AI-enabled transformation, and supportive institutional frameworks. The findings provide important implications for policymakers and industry leaders seeking to accelerate sustainability transitions in construction sectors across emerging economies.

UNC Greensboro has received a $2 million award to launch NC BioMISSION, a bioindustrial workforce training and research program in North Carolina.