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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian-Armenian educational partnership: the second launch of the course “Fundamentals of project activities” with the Polytechnic University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Russian-Armenian University in Yerevan held the final defense of student projects completed within the framework of the course “Fundamentals of Project Activity” (OPA), which SPbPU and RAU have been implementing for the second year. 20 project teams were admitted to the in-person defense, and 19 of them successfully confirmed their results, demonstrating a noticeable qualitative growth compared to the pilot launch of the 2023/2024 academic year. 17 teams showed significant product and educational results.

    The course “Fundamentals of Project Activities” is part of the strategic partnership of the two universities and a key tool for implementing a practice-oriented education model. Since the 2024/2025 academic year, the discipline has become mandatory for five areas of study at the Institute of Economics and Business of RAU (economics, tourism, trade and hotel business, management) and was available optionally to students of other programs. Starting next year, at the initiative of the management and teachers of RAU, there will be even more areas of study where this discipline will be mandatory.

    The second launch of the course at RAU involved 12 mentor teachers, whose training began in December 2024. RAU teachers completed an intensive course on project activity tools and mentoring of student projects, and experienced the entire process of completing the course that students face.

    In February 2025, an introductory lecture was held for RAU students, where they learned about the structure and features of the upcoming course. The lecture was given by teachers of SPbPU and RAU: senior researcher of the International Academic Competence Center “Intelligent Enterprise Technologies” of the Digital Engineering School Anton Ambrazhey, senior lecturer of the Higher School of Project Activity and Innovation in Industry (IMMiT) Inna Seledtsova and head of the Department of Educational Policy and Quality Control of Education of RAU Ruzanna Airapetova.

    In April 2025, Anton Ambrazhey and Inna Seledtsova visited RAU on a working visit, discussed the intermediate results of the projects with the teams and course mentors, and gave recommendations for their further implementation and specification.

    A distinctive feature of the second launch of the course at RAU was the involvement of external customers (travel agency GoToDili, Green Rock, Green Training Center). The projects presented by the customers confirmed the trend that began to form during the first launch: the OPD course at RAU is capable of creating a new level and diversity of products in the tourism landscape of Armenia. Thus, most of the projects this year from internal and external customers of RAU were dedicated to the current needs of the tourism industry of Armenia, and the internal tasks of the university were also well presented as projects.

    According to the results of the 2024/2025 competition, the first place was taken by the project “Conducting an assessment of the quality of education by students of the Institute of Economics and Business”, completed by students of the Management program under the mentorship of the senior manager of the Department of Economics and Finance Iveta Stepanyan. The second place was taken by the project “Cultural and educational event “Russian Language Day”, mentored by Associate Professor of the Department of Russian Language and Professional Communication Liana Petrosyan. The third place went to the project “Green Tourism”, implemented under the guidance of the chief manager of correspondence courses of the IEB Lolita Tashchyan.

    “At the last defense, seventeen projects out of twenty received high scores. It is clear that a core of motivated mentors and students is being formed. Perhaps it is the personalized approach to the team, the high involvement of mentors that is the unique path of RAU project activities, along which we will continue to help colleagues develop,” noted Anton Ambrazhey.

    Inna Seledtsova emphasized the research significance of the work: “It is very important that many projects have come closer to understanding the true needs of the end users of their project results: someone went with a mentor to Dilijan to talk to tourists, someone conducted online surveys with business owners and identified an unobvious need for training, someone conducted surveys among students. We still have room to grow in the quality of such studies, which are a key link in understanding the problems of the project, but the first steps in this year’s research were very worthy.”

    At the final series of meetings with mentors, with the Vice-Rector of RAU for Academic Affairs Marina Khachatryan, with the Head of the Department of Educational Policy and Quality Control of Education of RAU Ruzanna Ayrapetova, the course support team from SPbPU recorded development vectors for the next academic year: localization of part of the educational content, adaptation of project activity artifacts to the specifics of RAU, strengthening of the internal PR course, training of new mentors in the fall of 2025 and the third launch of the course with updated materials in February 2026.

    An important result of the second launch of the course was the formation of the need for independent processes for implementing the “Fundamentals of Project Activity” at RAU. If in the first launches the course was supported, for the most part, within the framework of processes identical to SPbPU, then by the upcoming third launch not only the need for content localization has been identified, but also the need for our own student assessment system, for motivating them and mentors, for adaptation to online learning, since the OPD course became RAU’s first experience in mass online learning. All this will form the basis for the joint work of SPbPU and RAU in the next academic year.

    Interview with Anton Ambrazhey AndInna Seledtsova

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UAE’s Autocraft places pre-order for 350 ‘air taxis’ in China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    SHANGHAI, July 16 (Xinhua) — United Arab Emirates (UAE) Autocraft on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft maker Shanghai TCab Technology Co., Ltd. to purchase 350 E20 eVTOL aircraft worth a total of $1 billion.

    This is the largest pre-order for eVTOLs in China to date.

    The deal is a result of a partnership between the two parties at last year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE).

    The deal is expected to see TCab Tech’s in-house developed E20 air taxis put into commercial service in low-altitude tourism and urban air mobility applications in the Middle East and North Africa region.

    As it became known, the E20 aircraft is designed for one pilot and four passengers. Its designed flight range is 200 km, and the maximum speed is 320 km/h.

    Autocraft explained the motivation for its partnership with Chinese company TCab Tech as recognition of the latter’s technological maturity and potential for safety systems.

    According to the concluded order document, the E20 eVTOL will be delivered in stages in several batches. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cargo air service between Urumqi and Bishkek resumed

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, July 16 (Xinhua) — A cargo plane loaded with 3.8 tons of textiles and clothing took off from Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, marking the official resumption of Urumqi-Bishkek cargo flights.

    According to the Urumqi Tianshan Airport Customs Office, the air cargo route operates on a fixed schedule on Wednesdays and Fridays. The resumption of air cargo services on this route is an important milestone in deepening the connectivity between China and Central Asian countries and establishing trade and economic cooperation, and will help match high-quality Chinese goods with demand in the Central Asian market.

    Deputy head of the said service Liu Jingyi said that in order to meet the needs of air transportation of goods such as clothing and textiles, which are in high demand in the Central Asian market, the airport customs authorities continued to optimize the control and management process, opening convenient channels for fast customs clearance of goods.

    According to Zhao Wei, a responsible person at one of the local logistics companies, Xinjiang Fuying Logistics Co., Ltd., it used to take more than a week to deliver goods by land from Urumqi to Bishkek, but after the resumption of this air route, cargo can be delivered to Bishkek on the day of shipment.

    “In the future, our company plans to use this air cargo route to promote the development of commercial activities with Central Asian countries,” said Zhao Wei. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Stop Calling Me: How China Fights Internet Fraud and Spam Calls

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese citizens can avoid providing explicit personal information to internet service providers by using “cyberspace identifiers.”

    On July 15, 2025, China enacted the Regulations on the Public Service Related to Cyberspace Identifiers. This step is aimed at promoting cyberspace identifiers and strengthening the protection of personal information privacy online.

    According to the document, an online identifier operates in two forms: one as a set of letters and numbers, and the other as an online account. Both correspond to a person’s real identity, but exclude any information in plain text.

    If an Internet user decides to use a cyberspace identifier to register and verify his or her identity, the relevant Internet service provider shall not require him or her to provide additional information in plain text unless this is provided for by laws and administrative regulations or without the user’s consent.

    Citizens will no longer be forced to provide personal information such as ID card numbers or real names to internet service providers when they register for services or verify their identity.

    According to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), more than 6 million Chinese citizens have received and activated digital IDs since the introduction of the online service.

    HEADACHE OF THE CHINESE POPULATION

    For many years, the Chinese have suffered from telephone and Internet fraud, as well as from spam calls and spam messages. Such forms of fraud include various deception schemes, as well as auto-dialing of subscribers to random numbers: a person picks up the phone and hears a pre-recorded voice message with an offer to buy an apartment, take out a loan, and so on. Another concern is that when making calls, scammers or spammers can accurately name a person’s first and last name, and sometimes even an ID number.

    According to a 2024 study on spam calls in China by analytics company iiMedia Research, more than 91 percent of subscribers reported receiving calls from scammers and spammers.

    In particular, about 56 percent of subscribers received unwanted phone calls less than 10 times a day, and about 27 percent received unwanted phone calls 10-15 times a day. The share of subscribers who received such calls 16-20 times a day accounted for 10 percent.

    He Yanzhe, an employee of the China Institute of Electronic Technology Standardization, noted that some organizations do not implement security measures such as authentication and access control when setting up data transmission interfaces, which allows hackers to intercept the interface and obtain data in real time.

    Lao Dongyang, a professor at Tsinghua University School of Law, said some information collection agencies require users or consumers to provide “authorization packages” for various reasons including “improving service quality,” which is the main reason for data leaks.

    LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT

    The regulations on public service related to cyberspace identifiers, issued in May this year, are China’s latest effort to combat cyber fraud and spam calls.

    In June 2023, China established a government service platform for issuing digital identification documents based on the verification of their real counterparts, such as the ID card and the national demographic information database.

    The National Cyberspace Personal Identifier Platform will only collect personal information that is strictly necessary for online authentication purposes, the rules say.

    In accordance with the “minimum and necessary” principle, the cyberspace identifier platform will only provide the results of the verification to the ISPs. In cases where the retention of the user’s real identity information is required by law, the platform must do so only with the explicit consent of that user.

    According to the Ministry of Defense, the official mobile application for registration and verification of online IDs has been downloaded over 16 million times. In addition, registration of a digital personal ID is voluntary.

    In China, the Telecommunications and Internet Fraud Prevention Law came into effect on December 1, 2022.

    The law stipulates that public security organs shall cooperate with relevant government departments and enterprises to establish an early warning and suppression system for fraud, and take timely measures to prevent potential victims from falling into the traps of telecommunications and online fraudsters.

    According to the law, those who travel to regions where telecommunications fraud is serious and are suspected of being involved in fraudulent activity, as well as those who have been convicted and punished for telecommunications and online fraud, may be prohibited from leaving the country.

    THE PRACTICE OF REMAINING STRUGGLE

    In practice, the National Telecommunication and Internet Fraud Control Center of China has developed its official mobile application. This application can recognize suspicious calls, messages, websites or applications and promptly warn the user about possible data leaks.

    The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to combat fraud in China is also impressive. In one case reported to police in Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, East China, it took just 10 minutes to track the movement of funds and prevent the withdrawal of 500,000 yuan. Eight hours later, the suspects were located overseas, and 24 hours later, an online arrest warrant was issued. Using AI, police arrested nine suspects and returned more than 70 percent of the stolen funds to the victim within three days.

    According to He Yongliang, an official with the Kunshan City Public Security Bureau, police efficiency has increased more than sixfold thanks to the creation of an “AI police team” comprising 30 digital officers who assist in analyzing victim reports, tracking suspects and conducting investigations.

    “Since their implementation, 609 fraud cases have been detected, and the total amount of funds recovered was 32.47 million yuan,” he added.

    Another area of combating telecommunications and Internet fraud in China is strengthening international cooperation in this area.

    In November 2024, the PRC MoS announced that all major telecom fraud centers located in northern Myanmar near the China-Myanmar border had been neutralized.

    More than 53,000 Chinese nationals suspected of fraud have been arrested through joint efforts by Chinese and Myanmar police since the MDS launched a special campaign in 2023 to crack down on telecom fraud in northern Myanmar targeting China and its nationals, the ministry said in a statement.

    Despite all these efforts, attackers and spammers are updating their “toolkits” to include AI technologies. Several major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Hangzhou, have already reported scams that involve fake faces or voice synthesis using AI technology.

    Some experts believe that mirror measures can be taken to combat these problems – by expanding the use of AI technologies to promptly identify and stop illegal activities.

    For example, Chinese brand Honor officially launched the world’s first AI-based fraud detection technology at the device level in September last year. The technology, based on a deep learning model, can identify fake AI-generated content in real time by analyzing facial features and behavior patterns in an image. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Since the beginning of 2025, more than 4 thousand China-Europe freight trains have passed through the Alashankou railway checkpoint

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, July 16 (Xinhua) — The number of China-Europe/China-Central Asia international rail freight trains passing through Alashankou Port has exceeded 4,000 since the beginning of 2025 as of July 15, the Urumqi branch of China Railway Urumqi Bureau Group Co., Ltd. said Wednesday.

    Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, home to the important land border crossings of Alashankou and Khorgos on the border with Kazakhstan, is actively creating a “golden corridor” on the Eurasian continent and seeking to become a springboard for China’s opening up to the west.

    Since the beginning of this year, railway authorities have reconstructed the aforementioned checkpoints in order to increase their capacity and improve the efficiency of China-Europe/Central Asia freight trains, which has provided effective transport support for the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road.

    At present, 124 China-Europe/China-Central Asia/ international railway freight routes pass through the Alashankou checkpoint, covering 21 countries, including Germany and Poland. They transport more than 200 types of goods, including new energy vehicles, spare parts and components for mechanical equipment. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: DR Congo and China commit to strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership based on cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KINSHASA, July 16 (Xinhua) — The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and China pledged to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership and deepen bilateral cooperation in many fields during high-level meetings between DRC leaders and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Vice Chairman Qin Boyun.

    DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Judith Souminwa Tuluka held separate meetings in Kinshasa with Qin Boyun on Tuesday.

    During these meetings, Qin Boyun conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders, reaffirming China’s commitment to working with the DRC to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FCAC).

    Qin Boyun also stressed China’s willingness to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and expand practical interactions to elevate the China-DRC partnership to new heights.

    In addition, Qin Boyun briefed the DRC representatives on China’s economic progress and modernization efforts.

    In turn, F. Tshisekedi and J.S. Tuluka asked Qin Boyun to convey warm greetings to Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders, thanking China for its long-standing and valuable support.

    They expressed their desire to continue cooperation with China in areas such as trade, mining, agriculture, etc.

    The DRC leadership also reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle and expressed hope for an early national reunification of China.

    A CPPCC delegation led by Qin Boyun visited the DRC on Monday and Tuesday, during which they also met with Second Vice President of the DRC Senate Modeste Bahati Lukwebo. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US to Launch Section 301 Investigation into Brazil

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NEW YORK, July 16 (Xinhua) — The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced Tuesday that it will launch an investigation into Brazil’s trade policies under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

    The investigation, ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, will focus on “Brazil’s attacks on U.S. social media companies and other unfair trade practices that harm American businesses, workers, farmers, and technologists,” the agency said in a statement, citing U.S. trade negotiator Jamison Greer.

    The investigation will aim to determine “whether the actions, policies, and practices of the Brazilian government relating to digital commerce and electronic payment services, unfair, preferential tariffs, interference in the fight against corruption, intellectual property protection, market access for alcohol, and illegal logging are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce,” the statement said. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN chief deeply concerned about ongoing violence in southern Syria

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    UNITED NATIONS, July 16 (Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in the predominantly Druze region of As-Suwayda province in southern Syria, which has left dozens of casualties, including civilians, the UN chief’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

    “He is concerned about reports of arbitrary killings of civilians, religious incitement and the looting of private property. He condemns any violence against civilians, especially actions that could fuel sectarian tensions,” Dujarric said at a daily briefing.

    He said the UN Secretary-General urged the Syrian interim authorities and local leaders to immediately de-escalate, protect civilians, restore calm and prevent further incitement, and urged the interim authorities to conduct a transparent and open investigation and hold those responsible for violations accountable.

    A. Guterres also expressed concern about Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and called on this country to refrain from violating the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, said S. Dujarric.

    “The Secretary-General stresses the critical importance of supporting a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of resolution 2254 of 2015,” he added. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with murder following fatal stabbing in 2023

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in Wembley in 2023

    Dontae Smicle, 29 (01.03.1996) of Monks Park, Wembley was charged on Tuesday, 15 July with the murder of 25-year-old Hamza Iqbal.

    He was arrested abroad and extradited back to the UK on Tuesday, 15 July. He has been remanded into custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 16 July.

    An investigation was launched after police were called shortly after 23:00hrs on Sunday, 24 September 2023 to reports of a stabbing in Olympic Way, Wembley.

    Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found Hamza Iqbal with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

    A post-mortem examination took place on Wednesday, 27 September 2023 and gave a preliminary cause of death as sharp force trauma to the chest.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Role specification for external panel members of the GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Role specification for external panel members of the GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel

    The Government Digital Service (GDS) Responsible AI Advisory Panel is seeking applicants for external panel members.

    The GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel advise and guide Government Digital Service (GDS) approach to the development of AI across government.

    Role

    The duties of external panel members of the Government Digital Service (GDS) Responsible AI Advisory Panel (the panel) involve, but are not limited to:

    • Providing technical and cross-disciplinary expertise relevant to the responsible development of AI to GDS through the work of the panel
    • Providing strategic advice on how GDS can better deliver responsible AI products
    • Shaping the work programme of the panel to ensure that it best delivers on its objective of providing the best possible advice to GDS on the responsible development of AI
    • Ensuring that the work of GDS is appropriately informed by the latest evidence, standards and best practice across the AI sector
    • Scrutinising individual AI products across government, and providing advice on how these products can best be responsibly delivered

    Expertise

    External panel members should have:

    • an interest in the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in the public sector

    • leading expertise in one or more of the following areas:

      • data ethics, AI ethics or responsible innovation
      • AI and data science, from a commercial, academic or civil society perspective
      • Tech policy and regulation
      • International perspectives of AI use
      • Workforce impacts of AI
    • an ability to think strategically and exercise sound judgment strong communication, influencing and persuading skills
    • an ability to work constructively with fellow board members and wider stakeholders

    Time commitment and expectations

    • The panel will convene for an initial one year from its initial meeting. External panel members will be appointed for a one year term, with the possibility for this term to be extended
    • The panel will meet for full meetings at a minimum of once a quarter
    • Panel members are direct ministerial appointments, subject to due diligence checks and baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) checks
    • Panel members are able to access departmental material at no higher classification than Official-Sensitive
    • Panel members will be expected to follow the Seven Principles of Public Life and are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies
    • Panel members will be expected to provide the equivalent of 1-2 hours per month on the work of the panel
    • Panel members will not receive remuneration for their work on the panel

    Apply

    Apply to be external panel member to the GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Life Sciences Sector Plan to grow economy and transform NHS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Life Sciences Sector Plan to grow economy and transform NHS

    The government has today (Wednesday 16 July) launched a bold new Life Sciences Sector Plan as part of the government’s flagship Industrial Strategy.

    The government has today (Wednesday 16 July) launched a bold new Life Sciences Sector Plan as part of the government’s flagship Industrial Strategy, setting out a ten-year mission to harness British science and innovation to deliver long-term economic growth and a stronger, prevention-focused NHS.

    The UK is already a global leader in life sciences, with the sector worth around £100 billion to the economy, and employing around 300,000 people. This plan, developed in close coordination with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, doubles down on that strength – turning cutting-edge research into real-world results: new treatments, faster diagnoses, and more lives saved. It’s about making sure breakthroughs happen here – and stay here – creating jobs, improving lives in every part of the country, and driving growth.

    Life sciences’ critical importance to both driving economic growth and improving our health – 2 of the core elements of the Plan for Change – has been shown through the government’s action to date to support the sector. The Chancellor re-committed up to £520 million for the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund at the Spending Review to pull investment into the UK, and red tape is being slashed to speed up clinical trials, while an up to £600 million investment will deliver a Health Data Research Service that will be unmatched globally – bringing the power of data to bear to unlock breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

    The plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap built around 3 core pillars:

    1. Enabling World-Class R&D – strengthening the UK’s leadership in science and discovery
    2. Making the UK an outstanding place to start, scale and invest – growing homegrown companies and attracting global capital
    3. Driving Health Innovation and NHS Reform – delivering better outcomes for patients and a more modern, preventative healthcare system

    6 bold actions to kickstart change

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan will be supported over the lifetime of the Spending Review by government funding of over £2 billion, alongside funding from UKRI and NIHR. Actions include:

    1. Unlocking NHS data to find new cures

    Up to £600 million investment to build the world’s most advanced health data system – helping scientists develop better treatments faster.

    2. Speeding up clinical trials

    Cutting red tape so patients can join trials sooner – and get access to life-changing medicines quicker.

    3. Backing British manufacturing

    Up to £520 million to invest in life sciences manufacturing projects – creating high-skilled jobs and making more treatments and medical devices here at home.

    4. Getting new treatments to patients faster

    Making regulation simpler and faster by boosting departmental support for the MHRA with additional investment – so doctors can use safe, effective innovations without delay.

    5. Helping doctors use cutting-edge tech

    A new NHS ‘passport’ to roll out proven tools faster – like AI cancer scanners or wearable devices that detect disease early.

    6. Backing brilliant UK firms to grow

    Helping fast-growing companies raise investment, scale up, and stay in the UK – with at least one major industry partnership secured every year.

    Built for delivery

    This Plan was shaped with input from over 250 organisations including doctors, scientists, NHS leaders and industry experts to ensure it delivers real impact. It builds on the strong foundations of the 10-Year Health Plan, extending its ambition by uniting health and growth interventions into a single, coherent strategy for the Life Sciences sector. Every action has clear goals and named leads. This is a Plan designed to deliver, not in isolation but as a vital part of the government’s broader Plan for Change.

    Early momentum 

    The plan builds on the Chancellor’s commitment to reduce regulatory costs by a quarter, with increased investment in the MHRA to accelerate approvals and improve efficiency. It aims to streamline MedTech market entry through closer coordination between the MHRA and NICE.  

    The government is also focused on strengthening the UK’s clinical research infrastructure by improving trial delivery, expanding patient access, and embedding research more effectively within the NHS. 

    We have already started delivering on key actions, from investing up to £600 million in the Health Data Research Service alongside Wellcome, through to committing over £650 million in Genomics England and up to £354 million in Our Future Health, while the rollout of ‘innovator passports’ will help speed up the adoption of new tech and treatments on the NHS. This is clear evidence of our commitment and confidence in life sciences as a driver of both economic growth and better health outcomes. 

    Why life sciences matter

    • Life Sciences is one of 8 priority sectors in the government’s Industrial Strategy – reflecting the sector’s high growth potential.
    • Life sciences companies employ over 300,000 people, with more than three-quarters of jobs outside London and the Southeast, supporting opportunity in every part of the UK.
    • The sector improves economic productivity by improving health. With long-term illness a major drag on workforce participation, better health leads directly to a stronger, more resilient economy.
    • The Life sciences sector attracts record levels of private investment. In 2023, the UK raised the third highest amount of life sciences equity finance in the world, behind only the US and China.
    • It is a UK export powerhouse -medicines and medical technologies were the UK’s third largest goods export by value in 2024.
    • And it is innovation-intensive, with 17% of all UK business R&D spend is in pharmaceuticals, the highest of any sector.
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also revolutionising the Life Sciences sector across research, diagnostics, treatment, and manufacturing, reshaping how we prevent, treat, and manage disease. The potential economic impact is substantial, with McKinsey Global Institute estimating that AI could generate $60–110 billion annually for the pharmaceutical and medical-product industries alone .

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Our world-leading life sciences sector employs hundreds of thousands of people and is a powerhouse for economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets. Our Plan for Change is ramping up this success story even further.

    The ten-year life sciences plan we have released today as part of our Industrial Strategy will cut red tape and deliver the investment we funded at the Spending Review so it can stay ahead of the curve globally and we can reap the economic rewards for years to come.

    Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    The life sciences sector is one of the crown jewels of the UK economy. It sits at the heart of both our Plan for Change, and our Modern Industrial strategy, as a unique catalyst for both economic prosperity, and better health outcomes for people across the UK.

    Moving in lockstep with industry, academia and our NHS, we will unleash this sector as a force for good and for growth. The suite of measures we’re announcing today will unlock its full potential — attracting global investment, accelerating innovation, and delivering breakthroughs that will make the UK healthier, wealthier, and even more open for business.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’re committed to making the UK a life sciences superpower, and our modern Industrial Strategy has earmarked it as one of 8 priority sectors so it can double down on our strengths and keep us at the cutting edge of innovation.

    This government is taking the bold action needed to help this £108 billion industry flourish and create new high-skilled, well-paid jobs right across the country, making our Plan for Change a reality.

    Health Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    This Life Sciences Sector Plan represents a pivotal moment in our mission to rebuild the NHS and shift our healthcare system from one that treats illness to one that prevents it.

    By bringing together the brilliance of British science with the power of our NHS, we’re not just improving healthcare outcomes – we’re building a stronger economy and creating jobs across the country.

    The £2 billion investment will help us make the most of our world-leading health data, speed up access to innovative treatments, and transform the experience of patients. This is how we deliver a health service fit for the future – by embracing innovation that saves lives, cuts waiting times, and makes the NHS sustainable for generations to come.

    The plan comes just days on the same day as the fourth “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” Roadshow, a government-led initiative designed to boost SME exports in the Life Sciences sector.

    The roadshow focuses on the 8 sectors highlighted in the modern industrial strategy, forming part of the government’s commitment to supporting high-growth industries with the greatest potential to create jobs, increase productivity, and drive long-term economic growth.

    Support for the Life Sciences Sector Plan

    Professor Sir John Bell, President of the Ellison Institute of Technology and UK Government Life Sciences Champion said: 

    With our world-leading science base, genomics capabilities and industrial heritage, our Life Sciences sector can truly be among the best globally, ensuring the UK is developing and benefiting from the technologies of the future. We must however move past high level ambitions. This plan, with an inbuilt, relentless focus on delivery, provides the vehicle to take us there.

    Deepak Nath, CEO of Smith+Nephew, said:  

    Smith+Nephew welcomes the publication of the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and its clear recognition of the critical role that medical technology plays in building a sustainable, high-performing NHS.  

    We are encouraged by the plan’s focus on the full life cycle of medical technologies – from research and development, and manufacturing, through to regulation, evaluation and adoption – and by the continued engagement with industry throughout its development.  We look forward to supporting the plan’s implementation.

    Dr Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, GSK, said: 

    We welcome the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan – in particular, the reforms to incentivise more UK clinical trials, establish a new Health Data Research Service and create a network of translational labs and clinics to accelerate drug discovery and development. These changes can bring unique competitive advantage to the country and make the UK a leader in future life sciences research.

    Tim Sheppard, SVP & GM, North Europe, IQVIA, said:

    IQVIA welcomes the Life Sciences Sector Plan and its bold ambition to realise  more investment in commercial R&D than any other country in Europe by 2030.

    Human data science and AI technology underpin our global leadership in commercial clinical research, we recognise the potential in the Plan for the Health Data Research Service to be a catalyst in the UK Government’s  commitment to create the  world’s most advanced and secure health data platform, enhancing the UK’s attractiveness for global trials and AI investment.

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan will strengthen IQVIA’s ability to offer its global life sciences sponsors a seamless and efficient development pathway from early phase trials to regulatory approval and enhance patient access to innovative treatments – improving patients’ lives and driving further economic growth in the UK.

    Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: 

    The Liverpool City Region has a proud history of innovation and is fast becoming recognised as a powerhouse in health and life sciences – from pioneering infection and disease control to cutting-edge manufacturing.  

    This plan is a welcome step towards unlocking the sector’s full potential, and I’m confident our region will play a central role in delivering that ambition. With our world-leading assets in biomanufacturing, digital health and infectious disease research, we’re already demonstrating how innovation in our region can improve lives, create highly skilled jobs, and attract global investment. Backed by the right partnerships and investment, we can help cement the UK’s place as a global leader in life sciences.

    Lord Ara Darzi, Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery, Imperial College London, Consultant Surgeon, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Independent Member of the House of Lords said: 

    This plan is a detailed blueprint for implementation. It marks a profound change not just in how we go about enabling discovery but also in the way we deliver it. It sets the United Kingdom up to lead not just in trialling innovation but in making such innovations have real world impact for the benefit for patients, the National Health Service, and economic growth.

    Dr. Vin Diwakar, Clinical Transformation Director at NHS England, said:

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan is a major step forward, accelerating patient access to the latest health innovations through better industry partnerships, solidifying the NHS’s role in economic growth. Through initiatives like the Health Data Research Service and ‘innovator passports,’ we’re unlocking data’s potential for cures and fast-tracking proven health technologies, ultimately transforming patient care and making the NHS fit for the future.

    Peter Ellingworth, Chief Executive of the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) said:  

    ABHI welcomes the publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan. Developed with meaningful engagement from the HealthTech industry, it recognises the critical role that HealthTech will play in driving innovation and supporting the NHS to deliver the reforms needed to ensure its long-term sustainability. We are particularly encouraged by the commitments to regulatory reform, investment in research infrastructure, and measures to accelerate the adoption of innovation. To succeed, this strategy must be delivered in genuine partnership with industry and the NHS, and focused on removing the persistent barriers that prevent patients from benefiting from the best technologies. ABHI and our members are committed to playing an active role in translating these ambitions into tangible improvements for patients, the NHS and the economy.

    Paul Tredwell, Executive Vice President of Accord Healthcare said: 

    It is very encouraging to see a Life Sciences Sector Plan which for the first time recognises the immense contribution of the off-patent industry, a sector which provides around 80% of all the UK’s medicines. As one of the largest manufacturers supplying medicines to the NHS, and a company currently applying to the government’s LSIMF scheme, we welcome this Sector Plan as a positive step and look forward to working with government on policies that will support future growth and investment.

    Nicola Perrin MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) said: 

    We’re pleased to see life sciences recognised as a priority sector for the UK. This is a triple win for the economy, for the NHS and for patients. It will benefit people across the country and unlock new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. 

    We welcome the positioning of research at the heart of the Life Sciences Sector Plan, from the earliest stages of discovery science and beyond. We also welcome the focus on ensuring that the NHS embraces new discoveries and innovations – these will only have an impact if they get to patients quickly and effectively.  

    It’s reassuring to see a clear focus on implementation and accountability in the plan. This will help to ensure urgent action and real change. Medical research charities must be key delivery partners – they support R&D that focuses on patients, addresses areas of unmet need and accelerates impact.

    Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Innovation at Asthma + Lung UK, says:    

    We are pleased to see the Life Sciences Sector Plan setting out an array of opportunities for action to accelerate the growth of the UK’s respiratory research and innovation sector.   

    There has been too little scientific progress for people living with lung conditions – the third biggest killer in the UK. This plan for investment, with its focus on innovation and access to health data for research, could help drive desperately needed improvements to the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease, which affects 1 in 5 people in the UK.  

    With effective implementation, this plan could lead to research investment that will save lives and significantly reduce the number of preventable A&E visits due to asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations. Furthermore, it has scope to increase the growth of the life sciences sector and will benefit the UK economy by cutting days lost to sickness.

    Louis Taylor CBE, CEO of the British Business Bank, said:  

    In the UK, we are very good at starting high-potential companies and creating breakthrough innovation, but what’s often lacking is the capital to scale these startups. The British Business Bank has been at the heart of growing the UK innovation economy for the last ten years. Today, the Bank is the largest investor in UK venture and venture growth capital funds and the most active late-stage investor in life sciences and deeptech. We welcome today’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and will continue to support the growth of this critical sector.

    Mike Fairbourn, Vice President & General Manager, UK & Ireland for Becton Dickinson said: 

    Becton Dickinson welcomes the UK government’s publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan. The plan’s focus on accelerating regulatory approvals, streamlining procurement pathways and investing in innovative manufacturing underscores the crucial role of medical technology in driving better health outcomes and economic growth. We strongly support these commitments and stand ready to work hand-in-hand with government, the NHS and regulators to deliver on these ambitions. Together, we can unlock the full potential of the UK’s medical technology industry to bolster the UK life sciences sector and the wider economy, and to benefit patients across the country.

    Dr Daniel Mahony, Chair of the UK BioIndustry Association said:  

    Making the UK an outstanding place in which to start, grow, scale and invest in life science companies is key to driving UK economic growth.  The life science sector plan is right to focus on getting substantially more public and private investment in early-stage companies, improved access to data, trials and skills to help companies grow, and more streamlined regulation and market access pathways to get innovative medicines to NHS patients. We particularly welcome the focus on unlocking pension funds to increase investment in scaling life science companies. In this parliament, the UK has the opportunity to create a truly-world leading life sciences ecosystem that works for start-ups, scale-ups and established global companies alike.

    Dr Kevin Lee, CEO of Bicycle Therapeutics said:  

    Bicycle Therapeutics welcomes the government’s vision to make the UK a Life Sciences superpower as part of its bold and ambitious Industrial Strategy. We support the strategy’s aspiration to accelerate the growth of UK companies by encouraging investment in the sector, simplifying the regulatory environment, and leveraging the UK’s unique healthcare ecosystem to innovate in clinical trial design. At Bicycle, we view this plan as an opportunity to support the advancement of our work to unlock the potential of our Nobel prize-winning science and create new medicines for a wide variety of diseases, starting with cancer. We are excited by the prospect of working in an ever more innovative and productive sector that will see British scientific breakthroughs transform the lives of patients across the globe.

    Professor Sir Rory Collins, Principal Investigator and Chief Executive of UK Biobank, said: 

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan shows how, with long-term thinking, the UK can build on its many world-leading institutions and facilities to deliver a world-class base for science. UK Biobank is living proof of the value of long-term thinking and the impact it can have on life sciences, with projects like our recent decade-long work scanning 100,000 volunteers that is transforming health research and helping the NHS. 

    The UK government continually supports UK Biobank as shown by its £20 million investment for our project to measure proteins in the blood of our half a million volunteers. This investment is helping generate the world’s most comprehensive health data and, by making it so accessible, we’re effectively able to crowdsource the minds of the planet’s greatest experts. That accessibility is why philanthropists and industry from around the world keep amplifying the government’s investment, leading to more data that drives even more research.

    Professor Ugur Sahin, Managing Director, CEO and Co-Founder of BioNTech said:  

    We believe that innovative treatments reach patients faster when sectors collaborate towards a common goal. The renewed Life Sciences Plan reflects this spirit and has the potential to transform medicine through real progress in cancer care and beyond – both in the UK and globally.

    Helen Dent, CEO of British In Vitro Diagnostic Association (BIVDA) said: 

    This plan reflects the government’s understanding of the challenges facing the life sciences industry and their commitment to driving investment, growth, and innovation across the sector. 

    Pledges which reduce the cost and streamline the adoption of diagnostics, MedTech and genomics are hugely welcome, as are measures to introduce low-friction procurement and contracting mechanisms. 

    Ultimately, success will depend upon continued collaboration between government, industry, and the healthcare system to ensure its ambition is matched by delivery. BIVDA looks forward to supporting this process and bolstering the UK’s position as a world-leader in life sciences.

    Hyoungki Kim, CEO and Vice Chairman of Celltrion, said: 

    As a South-Korea based company with a global outlook, we are committed to adapting to the long-term dynamics of the markets we serve. The UK is a key supply destination for us, and we remain committed to supporting the NHS through the increased availability of biosimilar medicines in the coming years. The UK is an important supply destination for us, and we are planning substantial investments to expand our biosimilar medicine supply in the coming years. We therefore welcome the recognition in the life sciences plan that biosimilars are a critical means of delivering value to the NHS and, importantly, expanding patient access. This acknowledgement reinforces our confidence in prioritising the UK as a central focus of our global efforts.

    Massimiliano Collela, Chief Executive Officer of CMR Surgical, said: 

    We are grateful to the government for their support of leading UK Tech and Life Sciences scale-ups like CMR Surgical through the government’s Industrial Strategy, the 10 Year Health Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan.  With the government’s support, the UK innovation sector continues to flourish.

    Lars Petersen, President & Chief Executive Officer of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, said: 

    FUJIFILM Biotechnologies warmly welcomes the UK government doubling down on its commitment to life sciences with this timely and ambitious new Sector Plan. 

    The UK has long been a global powerhouse in life sciences R&D – but what truly excites me about this plan is its potential to supercharge the life sciences ecosystem. By combining world-class discovery, cutting-edge development, and advanced manufacturing under one cohesive vision, the UK is positioning itself to not just lead in innovation but ensure the entire life sciences value chain flourishes. 

    I’m especially pleased to see the critical role of innovative medicines manufacturers, like FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, recognised as essential to the UK’s future growth. This isn’t just about planning; it’s a clear roadmap to unlocking our potential to fuel economic growth, spark groundbreaking innovation, and improve patient outcomes across the board. 

    The government’s pledge of £520 million in grants to expand the UK’s medicines manufacturing sector can also be a game-changer. Remaining globally competitive requires action, and this is exactly the kind of commitment needed to kickstart a new era for the UK’s life sciences. Combined with ongoing private-sector investment and the support of an empowered Life Sciences Sector Council, we’re looking at the foundation of a win-win scenario for government, business, patients, and innovators alike. 

    As one of the UK’s largest investors in innovative medicines manufacturing, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies stands ready to seize this opportunity. We look forward to helping turn this vision into a reality and build a stronger, more sustainable future for life sciences in the UK.

    Richard Stubbs, Chair of the Health Innovation Network said:  

    The UK is now in a race to the top to become a global powerhouse for the life sciences sector. To achieve this, we will need to go further to find, test and implement health innovations at pace and at scale. It is right that place-based innovation capacity and capabilities have been identified in the Life Science Sector Plan as a key enabler for the sector. 

    The Health Innovation Network is proud of the impact that we deliver with our partners in the NHS, academia and industry – from SMEs to multinationals – to improve patient outcomes, release capacity in the NHS to cut waiting lists and to drive economic growth, all priorities that are rightly recognised in this plan. The contribution the life sciences sector has to improve the health and wealth of the country is more evident now than ever. Through working locally with our vibrant life science sector, our health innovators, and our NHS staff we will deliver real change on the ground that has a national impact, and that supports the bold ambitions set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan.

    Yamin Mohammed Khan, CEO of hVIVO said: 

    We were pleased to establish a working partnership with the Office for Life Sciences in support of their sector plan. The UK has a remarkable and longstanding legacy in life sciences, something which we at hVIVO are proud to be a part of as the world leading provider of human challenge trials. The UK has a proven track record of innovation that continues to thrive. As a global pillar in health research and life sciences, the UK plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare and scientific advancement. We’re excited to see how this 10-year plan unfolds, helping the UK maintain its global reputation and further strengthen its leadership in the life sciences sector.

    Mark Robinson, Vice President and General Manager, UK and Ireland, and North Europe at Illumina, said: 

    Illumina strongly supports the UK government’s ambition, outlined in the Life Sciences Sector Plan, for genomics to contribute to half of all healthcare interventions by 2035. The plan’s focus on integrated health data, streamlined clinical trials, and expanded genomic infrastructure aligns with Illumina’s mission to unlock the power of the genome to improve human health for all. Illumina’s longstanding partnerships in the UK have played a key role in advancing our understanding of the genome, and we look forward to continuing these collaborations to support the UK’s leadership in global genomic research and innovation.

    Dr Stella Peace, Interim Executive Chair of Innovate UK said: 

    The Life Science Sector Plan positions innovation as a critical engine with the potential to power breakthroughs, drive economic growth and transform lives. The plan sets out how we will unlock the full potential of UK life sciences by backing the businesses, researchers and technologies shaping the future of healthcare and delivering real societal impact.  Innovate UK look forward to being part of bringing this plan to life.

    David Marante, Vice President UK and Ireland at Intuitive, said: 

    We know how important equity of access to innovation is to improve patient care in the NHS.  For the last 2 decades we’ve worked together with NHS Trusts in England to implement da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery programmes, harnessing our innovations to help enhance patient and care team experience, and reduce waiting lists through increased productivity to ultimately improve patient outcomes. 

    With health innovation as a key pillar of the government’s vision for the UK’s Life Sciences sector, we’re excited to continue supporting NHS care teams to improve equity of access to minimally invasive care with da Vinci RAS, enabling patients to get back to what matters most.

    Mark Samuels, Chief Executive of Medicines UK, said:   

    Generics and biosimilars account for 4 in every 5 NHS prescriptions, making them a cornerstone of patient care and an essential part of the UK’s life sciences ecosystem. We welcome this plan’s recognition of their vital role.   

    The off-patent sector operates in a highly competitive global environment. To maintain supply and attract sustained investment, the UK must offer a policy and operating landscape that is both supportive and internationally attractive.   

    We are encouraged by the strategy’s ambition and clarity – particularly its objective to make the UK a world leader in the adoption of off-patent medicines, with a strong emphasis on biosimilars.

    A thriving off-patent sector delivers access and value for the NHS and forms the foundation for future pharmaceutical innovation and investment. We look forward to working with Government to deliver on this important agenda.

    Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said:  

    I welcome the publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and fully support its ambition to make the UK a global leader in life sciences and a country where innovation delivers for everyone. 

    It’s great to see the MHRA is recognised as a pivotal partner in delivering the plan’s vision – by supporting innovation, protecting public health, and making the UK a global destination for innovators to research, develop and launch cutting-edge medical products. 

    Working with our partners across the sector, we will continue to enable safe and effective innovation that benefits patients, the public, and the economy.

    Kit Erlebach, Chairperson of the UK’s Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) and Senior Director, Engineering at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies UK said: 

    The UK government’s new Life Sciences Sector Plan signals a clear and ambitious commitment to the future of life sciences in the UK. This plan provides a unique opportunity to build upon our nation’s strengths in research, development, and manufacturing, creating a fully connected and world-leading life sciences ecosystem, with innovative large and small medicines producers. 

    By articulating a clear vision for medicines manufacturing alongside discovery and development, the UK is laying the foundation for a thriving sector that benefits patients, drives innovation, and delivers economic growth. The focus on medicines manufacturing as a key component of this strategy is vital, providing the necessary support to strengthen the UK’s position on the global stage. 

    The allocation of £520 million in grants for expanding medicines manufacturing capabilities demonstrates the government’s dedication to fostering a competitive and sustainable industry. Combined with continued private-sector investment and collaboration across the sector, this targeted support will create new opportunities for innovation, employment, and improved health outcomes. 

    The Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) is proud to have contributed to support the development of this Sector Plan. In a rapidly changing international context, today’s announcement is a key step on the journey to enhance the UK’s international competitiveness. We are committed to working with Government to drive implementation of this plan, and the other necessary steps set out in the MMIP’s 10-year vision to deliver on our shared ambition.

    Darius Hughes, UK General Manager for Moderna, said:   

    Moderna welcomes the UK government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan as a bold and timely commitment to strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation and adoption.   

    Through our strategic partnership, we’ve invested in UK-based mRNA R&D and manufacturing, because we believe in the UK’s ability to turn scientific excellence into real-world impact.   

    This Plan gets the fundamentals right — from smarter regulation to investing in talent and unlocking the potential of health data — and we look forward to continuing our work together to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients, the NHS, and the economy.

    Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council, said: 

    The new Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out a bold vision to transform how one of the UK’s most dynamic and globally competitive sectors delivers for our economy and for people around the world. 

    The Medical Research Council is committed to playing a central role in realising this vision by accelerating the translation of curiosity-driven research into innovations that support disease prevention, earlier diagnosis and better treatments. 

    In partnership with researchers, charities and industry, we will help more people live healthier, more productive lives, and attract further investment to strengthen the UK’s life sciences sector.

    Matthew Taylor CBE, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said: 

    Health leaders will welcome the publication of the life sciences sector plan which will play a crucial role in building an NHS that’s fit for the future. Having a thriving UK life sciences and innovation sector is key to ensuring patients get access to the treatments and innovations they need and at the best value to the health system.  

    For the government’s NHS reforms to succeed a successful life sciences programme is key, and the sector benefits from using the NHS as a testbed and delivery partner for new innovations. We look forward to working with the Office of Life Sciences, the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to ensure the views of health system leaders are reflected in the implementation of the plan so that it can deliver for both the health system and life sciences sector.

    Dr Sam Roberts, Chief Executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), said: 

    We warmly welcome the publication of the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan, which sets out how NICE will ensure patients get faster, fairer access to transformative new medicines and life-changing healthtech, while supporting a thriving life sciences industry in the UK.  

    This comprehensive plan establishes a clear vision for how NICE, the NHS, and industry can collaborate to truly transform people’s lives through better, more equitable access to innovation. At NICE, we are committed to playing our part in ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation while delivering a sustainable and effective health service for all.

    Ros Deegan, CEO of OMass Therapeutics, said:  

    The new Life Sciences Sector Plan outlines ambitions that fit the UK’s world-leading capabilities and should help small and medium sized Life Sciences businesses scale, grow and keep innovation within the UK. As a growing biotechnology company with products approaching the clinic, we are encouraged to see actions designed to cut clinical trial approval times and improve access to capital – 2 critical factors that will benefit the sector and the wider economy.

    Dr. Lucinda Crabtree, Chief Financial Officer of Oxford Biomedica, said: 

    The UK government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out a clear commitment to making the UK a global hub for health innovation. At OXB, we have experienced first-hand how targeted government support — including funding from Innovate UK — can help unlock growth and build globally competitive capabilities. The plan’s focus on accelerating clinical trial processes, streamlining regulatory pathways, and investing in manufacturing, genomics, and health data infrastructure will support innovation and improve access to breakthrough treatments. These initiatives are vital to establishing the UK as a key market to scale life sciences businesses, attract investment and world-class talent, and drive long term economic growth.

    Gordon Sanghera CBE, CEO and Co-founder of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, said: 

    The UK’s ambition to further expand the integration of genomic and molecular data into health systems and the economy – at scale – is exactly the kind of bold infrastructure investment that can improve lives and drive economic growth. In that system, being able to move quickly from innovation to implementation is essential to translating UK science into global health and economic impact.

    Roland Sinker CBE, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:  

    As I outlined in the Innovation Ecosystem Programme report, there is a significant opportunity to deliver meaningful benefits to the NHS and patients through innovations developed by UK life sciences companies. I fully support the Life Sciences Sector Plan and its clear commitments to advancing research, enabling UK life sciences to thrive, and accelerating health innovation. These actions are essential to ensuring that NHS staff and patients are among the first to benefit from the latest breakthroughs.

    Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz said:  

    We welcome the government’s commitment to becoming a world leader in the uptake of off-patent medicines. The target of £1 billion of savings from biosimilars is both realistic and achievable. Increasing their use will unlock greater worker productivity and increase the health of the UK population – a major contribution to the government’s growth imperative. As a committed partner to the NHS and government, Sandoz will dedicate resources and expertise to realise the goals for the off-patent sector within the Life Sciences Strategy.

    Neil Daly, CEO and Founder of Skin Analytics, said: 

    We welcome the clear action plan in the Life Sciences Sector Plan for streamlining and speeding up the adoption of proven healthcare technologies and feel the plan will make a meaningful difference to UK health innovators. In skin cancer, this means that the NHS can move much more swiftly to establish appropriately regulated autonomous AI triage as standard practice for all patients. This will find more cancers, free up clinician time and save taxpayers’ money.

    Dr Michael Spence, University College London President and Provost said: 

    Universities will be at the heart of making the UK the leading life sciences economy in Europe. With its backing for world-class research and clinical trials, the Life Sciences Sector Plan will help us achieve even more. 

    London is a global centre for innovation, with Euston already a leading area for life sciences where world-class universities, healthcare, and life science companies come together. With new investments in Oriel at St Pancras Way with Moorfields Eye Hospital, and a state-of-the art neuroscience facility at Grays Inn Road, UCL is at the heart of making the area a global leader. The new Life Science Hub at Euston station is a step towards realising the huge potential in this area and achieving the government’s ambitions 

    John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of Wellcome, said: 

    The ambition set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan is hugely welcome. Life sciences are a historic strength of the UK, and this strategic vision is important to cement the country’s advantage in the future. The plan’s emphasis on the importance of early-stage research is particularly shrewd. Basic discovery science underpins later health breakthroughs and clinical trials, making it the essential bedrock for a thriving research economy.  

    The focus on speeding up trials and on data infrastructure for research will not only lead to real impact for patients but also strengthen the UK’s attractiveness to innovative researchers and businesses.  

    If the level of ambition in the plan is matched by meaningful action and investment, the UK will be well on its way to securing its place as a global life sciences leader.

    Notes to editors

    The full collection of Industrial Strategy sector plans can be found here.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: School-conference on medicinal chemistry in Ufa brought together young scientists from all over Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    From June 23 to 27, 2025, the III All-Russian School-Conference on Medicinal Chemistry for Young Scientists was held at the Interuniversity Student Campus of the Eurasian Scientific and Educational Center in Ufa. This year, the event was held for the first time with international participation and brought together more than 100 participants from different regions of Russia and the Republic of Belarus.

    The event was organized by the Ufa Institute of Chemistry of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Bashkir State Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Health, the N.N. Vorozhtsov Research Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies (IMMT) NSU and the Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Sciences on Medicinal Chemistry.

    The event is held every two years. The first school on medicinal chemistry was organized in 2021 at the N.N. Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The main objective of the event was to familiarize young Russian scientists, postgraduates and students with modern methods and approaches used in medicinal chemistry. The second school on medicinal chemistry was held in 2023 at St. Petersburg State University as part of the All-Russian Conference with International Participation “Ideas and Legacy of A.E. Favorsky in Organic Chemistry” with the support of the St. Petersburg Branch of the D.I. Mendeleyev Russian Chemical Society. This year, the hosts of the youth school were researchers from Ufa.

    Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary field that covers the development and synthesis of new medicinal compounds, the study of their metabolism and action at the molecular level. These were the topics that the intensive five-day program of the school was devoted to. Participants were treated to plenary lectures, flash reports, master classes on chromatography, molecular modeling, critical thinking and vaccinology, as well as excursions and the Sabantuy of Young Scientists. As one of the organizers, Egor Mustaev, noted, the flash report format was a key innovation this year:

    — This format gave each participant the opportunity not only to present their work, but also to gain important experience in public speaking. In addition to the reports, the school became a platform for live communication and exchange of experience between young researchers and leading scientists from Russia and Belarus, — said Egor.

    Several experts from NSU presented reports at the school-conference. Thus, the following delivered plenary lectures:

    — Head of the Department of Medical Chemistry of the Institute of Medical and Medical Technologies of NSU, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Nariman Faridovich Salakhutdinov; topic of the speech: “Natural Compounds in the Creation of New Drugs in Medicine”;

    — Associate Professor of the Department of Medical Chemistry, Doctor of Chemical Sciences Olga Ivanovna Yarovaya; lecture topic: “Bird Flu: An RNA Virus with Pandemic Ambitions.”

    The keynote report on the topic “HPLC-MS methods in the development and preclinical studies of new drugs” was presented by Artem Dmitrievich Rogachev, PhD, senior researcher at the Laboratory of Molecular Pathology at the Institute of Medical and Technical Technologies of NSU.

    Young scientists – students also presented flash reports. Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU.

    Among the participants of the school was Serafim Tishchenko, a young researcher from Novosibirsk, representing the Laboratory of Functional Analysis of Viruses (LFAV) of the Research Institute of Organic Chemistry:

    — I attended lectures and master classes, especially the practical course on molecular docking. Everything was very interesting and useful. I presented work on the development of antiviral drugs against orthopoxviruses and the RS virus. Now I am preparing to enter graduate school at NSU, — Seraphim shared his plans.

    The school’s distinctive feature remains its emblem – a laboratory mouse, which this year received an updated look and became the star of photo zones and souvenirs.

    The School and Conference on Medicinal Chemistry continues to strengthen its position as a key platform for young scientists involved in the development of new drugs. Thanks to a careful approach to the program, an open format and rich communication, it becomes not only an educational but also an inspiring event in the scientific community.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SETAF-AF highlights 173rd Airborne Brigade innovation at LANDEURO 2025

    Source: United States Army

    1 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drone-based blood resupply as part of the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) during Swift Response 2025 at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The Flying Basket drone delivers simulated blood to field care locations, enhancing survivability and speed in austere conditions. The exercise validates forward medical operations in a realistic, multinational environment, tactical medical evacuation, and damage control surgery from Role 3 to Role 1.

    U.S. units participating include the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment. NATO Role 2 Enhanced medical teams and Lithuanian Armed Forces medics conduct joint trauma lanes and mass casualty drills, building interoperability and combat medical readiness across the Alliance.

    The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

    (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jose Lora) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Jose Lora)

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    2 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

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    3 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

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    4 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

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    5 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

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    6 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

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    7 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. Jacob Rosencrantz, right, and Sgt. 1st Class Elio Sauceda, paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, prime, or arm, a brazier charge with a M17A1 receiver and power on a first-person view (FPV) drone during exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25), at Ben Ghilouf Training Area, Tunisia, April 27, 2025. AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mariah Y. Gonzalez) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Mariah Gonzalez) VIEW ORIGINAL
    8 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and soldiers assigned to the 414th Contracting Support Brigade gathered for a visit to the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s FPV Drone Lab at Caserma Del Din, Italy, May 6, 2025. The visit showcased the lab’s latest capabilities and innovations in first-person view (FPV) drone technology.

    The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

    (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joskanny Lua) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Joskanny Lua)

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    9 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and soldiers assigned to the 414th Contracting Support Brigade gathered for a visit to the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s FPV Drone Lab at Caserma Del Din, Italy, May 6, 2025. The visit showcased the lab’s latest capabilities and innovations in first-person view (FPV) drone technology.

    The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

    (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joskanny Lua) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Joskanny Lua)

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    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)

    VICENZA, Italy – Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s Bayonet Innovation Team (BIT) are set to participate in the inaugural LANDEURO Symposium and Exposition, taking place July 16–17 in Wiesbaden, Germany, to showcase tactical innovation and allied collaboration.

    Hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), LANDEURO is the leading international symposium dedicated to land forces in Europe. The event will convene senior military leaders from across the U.S., Ukraine and European partner nations to address emerging threats, regional cooperation and transformational warfighting capabilities.

    This year’s theme is “Transforming with Allies for the Future Fight,” which reflects a shared commitment to preparing for the next battlefield.

    The BIT will be present to discuss its collaborative efforts with units such as the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) and the 56th Artillery Command (56th Fires), notably in establishing an in-house drone lab capable of rapidly producing low-cost unmanned aerial systems tailored to mission needs. This initiative strengthens expeditionary autonomy and supports scalable innovation at the unit level.

    The innovation teams from 173rd’s BIT, 2CR and 56th Fires were critical components in each other’s establishment, sharing code and best practices on a regular basis. Together, these units consulted with roughly 100 external entities to date on innovation.

    “You need to innovate to survive, to stay ahead and stay at the cutting edge,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre, the BIT director of robotics and autonomous systems. “The more we can do on our own, from procurement to manufacturing, the more autonomous we can be on the battlefield.”

    La Torre added that, this year alone, the BIT conducted its initial first-person view drone live-fire exercise on moving targets, completed its first live-munition drop with an M67 fragmentation grenade and created its own drone production lab in Vicenza.

    U.S. Army Col. Mark E. Bush, commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, will also attend the symposium. He emphasized the importance of this initiative.

    “The BIT’s efforts play a critical role in our brigade’s overarching endeavor to support the Army’s commitment to agile adaptation,” Bush said. “Our BIT Paratroopers, through staggering initiative, demonstrate daily what innovation and readiness look like in a complex, rapidly evolving security environment.”

    LANDEURO 2025 will begin with opening remarks from U.S. Army Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The event will feature more than 80 exhibits and panels addressing multi-domain operations, lessons from Ukraine and the evolving role of land forces across the continent.

    Additionally, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, will discuss battlefield innovation and digital modernization.

    The 173rd’s BIT is aligned with the Army Transformation Initiative and is part of a growing number of unit-based innovation organizations which rapidly develop and advance technology to support ever-changing battlefield demands. LANDEURO serves as the latest venue for sharing best practices.

    About 173rd Airborne Brigade

    The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, Africa, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

    About SETAF-AF

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

    Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Rehana Cassim, Professor in Company Law, University of South Africa

    Bribery is one of the most common forms of corruption in South African companies and state institutions. This has a number of harmful outcomes.

    Firstly, research shows that it weakens democracy and slows down economic growth. It also creates expensive barriers for honest businesses to succeed because it distorts fair competition. If bribery is not stopped or punished it has a demoralising effect, because it erodes trust and creates a culture where ethical conduct is undermined.

    In 2024 a new law came into force in South Africa that puts a duty on companies to take proactive steps to prevent bribery. This law falls under a broader law dealing with corruption in South Africa.

    The new provisions make it a crime for companies to fail to prevent bribery by an associated person. This is a major policy shift in South African anti-corruption law, and aligns with the United Kingdom’s anti-bribery legislation.

    An associated person is anyone who performs services for the company. This can include suppliers, joint venture partners, distributors, consultants, and other professionals advising the company. It can even be other companies, like subsidiaries.

    In my research I found that South Africa took inspiration from the United Kingdom (UK) Bribery Act 2010. The law makes it a criminal offence for commercial organisations to fail to prevent bribery by associated persons.

    Despite some successes, enforcement of the UK Bribery Act has been slow and the volume of prosecutions has been low.

    Based on my research into company conduct, given the current challenges in law enforcement and the low conviction rates for crimes of corruption, the new law might not work as well as hoped.

    But with improved enforcement, it has potential to reduce bribery in South Africa.

    What’s behind the new law?

    The new addition to the law was introduced after a commission of inquiry found evidence of widespread bribery and corruption under former president Jacob Zuma.

    For example, Angelo Agrizzi, former chief operating officer of African Global Operations (Pty) Ltd (formerly known as Bosasa), testified that Bosasa won about US$129 million in government tenders by paying about US$4 million in bribes to politicians and government officials. He said that every contract in which Bosasa was involved was linked to bribery and corruption.

    The new law is designed to prevent this from happening.

    If a person associated with a member of the private sector or an incorporated state-owned entity gives, agrees or offers to give a bribe (or gratification) to another person, the company could be held liable. This applies to companies as well as individuals, partnerships, trusts and other legal entities.

    The bribe must be given by the associated person to get business for the company or to gain a business advantage for it. Importantly, a company can be found guilty even if it didn’t know about the bribe.

    What counts as a bribe?

    A bribe (or gratification) is not just money. It includes avoiding a loss or other disadvantage, releasing any obligation or liability, or giving any favour or advantage.

    The bribe does not actually have to be given. It is enough if the associated person agrees or offers to give the bribe.

    It is not clear yet if hospitality or promotional expenditures count as bribes.

    Under the UK Bribery Act a hospitality payment is not regarded as a gratification unless it is disproportionate. In my view South Africa should follow the same approach.

    For example, if paying for transport from the airport to a hotel for an on-site visit, taking clients to dinner, or giving them tickets to an event aligns with the norms for the industry, this probably will not be seen as a bribe.

    Facilitation payments is another tricky area. These are small bribes made to minor officials to get routine administrative tasks done, such as applying for visas, clearing customs or getting licences.

    The new law doesn’t say whether facilitation payments are regarded as bribes. In my view, they should be.

    What companies need to do

    Companies can avoid liability under the new law if they can prove that they had adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery by associated persons.

    But the law doesn’t explain what “adequate procedures” are. Until the South African government provides guidance on this, it is useful to look at the guidance provided under the UK Bribery Act. It recommends the following:

    • Companies should adopt procedures that are proportionate to the bribery risks they face and the nature, scale and complexity of their activities.

    So a larger company operating in a high-risk market where bribery is known to be common must do more to prevent bribery than a smaller company in a low-risk market where bribery is less common.

    • The company’s board of directors should foster a culture where bribery is never acceptable.

    • Companies should periodically assess their exposure to potential bribery risks.

    • Companies should carry out due diligence procedures on their associated persons.

    • Companies should communicate their anti-bribery polices internally and externally. They should also provide training to ensure that everyone understands their anti-bribery position.

    • Companies should monitor their procedures and improve them where necessary.

    The way forward

    The South African government should urgently publish official guidelines to help companies understand what they must do to comply with the new law.

    The principles of South Africa’s corporate governance code, the King IV Report, can also be used to help companies comply with the new law. These principles promote ethical leadership, an ethical culture, risk management, accountability and transparency.

    Guidelines are also important for small and medium enterprises. They also have a legal duty to put in place adequate procedures to prevent bribery.

    Companies that have not already put in place anti-bribery procedures should act quickly. And they should check that their corporate hospitality policies are reasonable and proportionate to their businesses.

    Companies should also evaluate their relationships with the people associated with them.

    Setting up anti-bribery procedures may have cost implications. But not having them could cost far more. Having adequate procedures in place is the only defence under the new law.

    – Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act
    – https://theconversation.com/bribery-in-south-africa-law-now-puts-a-duty-on-companies-to-act-260148

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free and low-cost things to do in Leeds over the summer holidays

    Source: City of Leeds

    Summer Reading Challenge at Leeds Libraries
    The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge has begun and is a free holiday activity for children aged 4 to 11. It’s all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children’s reading skills and confidence. Children can read anything they like and collect free rewards for their reading, including a bookmark, pop badge and wooden medal. This year’s theme is Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors and will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
    Monday 7 July to Friday 22 August, various library locations, cost: free

    Butterfly Fever at Tropical World
    As part of the Big Butterfly Count 2025 enjoy a special weekend of activities on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, inside the zoo and at the Wildflower Meadows in Roundhay Park (weather permitting). The Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire team will be on site with lots of information on these fascinating creatures. Pick up your free copy of the Butterfly ID chart and head down to the Wildflower Meadow to record the number and type of butterflies you spot in a 15-minute slot – don’t forget to submit your sightings!
    Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 July, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Big Butterfly Count at Tropical World

    A Lotherton Summer Holiday
    Enjoy all things summer at Lotherton this school holiday. With six weeks of summer fun, including a whole host of children’s entertainment, activities, and a family trail.
    Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August, cost: included in admission (some activities at additional cost)
    Find out more: A Lotherton Summer Holiday

    Summer Fun at Temple Newsam Home Farm
    Visit the farm’s adorable animals, rare breed livestock, and take in the stunning landscape of the Temple Newsam Estate. Families can make and take home their own special crafts, explore the exciting interactive trail, it’s fun for all the family. Don’t forget your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities!
    Saturday 19 July to Monday 25 August, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Summer Fun at Temple Newsam Home Farm

    Summer of Fun at Kirkgate Market
    Head to Kirkgate Market throughout the summer holidays for a range of family friendly activities, including arts and crafts, shows, circus school, bumper cars, interactive games, a climbing wall, and roller skating.
    Monday 21 July to Saturday 30 August, cost: free
    Find out more: Summer of Fun at Kirkgate Market

    Deer Tractor Tours at Lotherton
    Experience Lotherton’s herd of red deer up close as you are taken on a tour of the Deer Park in the Lotherton tractor trailer. Learn all about this magnificent species – Britain’s biggest native mammal – and discover the estate from a different viewpoint.
    Monday 21 July to Monday 25 August, cost: £7.50 per person + admission
    Find out more: Deer Tractor Tours at Lotherton

    Stories in the Streets at Abbey House Museum
    Stories from our Story Time exhibition have spilled out into the Victorian Streets! You can find Mrs Tiggywinkle doing her washing, the Hungry Caterpillar munching his way through the grocer’s shop and seagulls eating the Lighthouse Keeper’s lunch. Come along to spot the stories plus a range of trails and crafts to join in for the whole family to work together. Drop-in during normal opening hours. Don’t forget to check out our Story Time exhibition while you’re here, all about children’s books through the ages!
    Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 31 August, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Stories in the Streets at Abbey House Museum

    Breeze in the Park
    Breeze in the Park is back for 2025! Enjoy interactive play, arts and crafts, games, sports, food and, of course, Breeze’s famous collection of classic inflatables. Coming to a park near you throughout summer.
    Wednesday 23 July to Thursday 21 August, cost: £1 per child. Optional additional activities and food at additional cost. Inflatable fast track and various discounts available with a £5 Breeze Pass.
    Find out more: Breeze in the Park

    Story Garden – Code and Create at Leeds libraries
    To celebrate this year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, make your own Story Gardens in lots of exciting ways. Join our library team to code robot bees and programme moisture sensors to keep plants hydrated! A free family-friendly event recommended for children aged 7+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
    Thursday 24 July to Thursday 21 August, various library locations, cost: free
    Find out more: Story Garden – Code and Create at Leeds Libraries

    A Magical Miffy Summer at Leeds City Museum
    Hop down to Leeds City Museum over the summer holidays to experience Miffy summer fun! Take part in sing-along storytimes, make Miffy-inspired wands, experience dazzling magic shows, and design interactive artwork at electric paint and animation workshops. There will also be a pop-up sensory room filled with dark tents, light-up toys, squishy floor tiles, dens and a bubble tube.
    Thursday 24 July to Wednesday 27 August, various times (booking required for some activities – please see website for more details), cost: give what you can
    Find out more: A Magical Miffy Summer at Leeds City Museum

    Steam Toys & Meccano Show at Leeds Industrial Museum
    Marvel at the displays of working steam toys and Meccano from local collectors at this fun and friendly event. Enjoy this annual event from the Friends of Pudsey Roller as enthusiasts and collectors bring in their steam toys and Meccano to share with visitors. There will also be a pop-up cafe selling delicious treats and raising funds for the Pudsey Roller.
    Sunday 27 July, 12pm to 4pm, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Steam Toys & Meccano Show at Leeds Industrial Museum

    Pot a Plant at Temple Newsam
    Head to the Walled Garden, where a friendly team will help you to pot up a stunning Coleus plant from the estate’s national collection to take home! Coleus are known for their striking, multicoloured foliage, and can thrive in both sun and shade, making them a versatile choice for any growing space.
    Wednesday 30 July, 1pm to 3pm, cost: £3 per plant (booking essential)
    Find out more: Pot a Plant at Temple Newsam

    Tooth and Claw Workshop at Leeds Discovery Centre
    Discover the animal skulls in the Natural Science collection and learn about how some have adapted teeth and claws to find food. Get up close and personal to the claws and teeth in our collection! Why are they that big? Why are they that sharp?! Join us for a family workshop and tour of our amazing collection store.
    Wednesday 30 July, 10am to 12pm, cost: give what you can
    Find out more: Tooth and Claw Workshop at Leeds Discovery Centre

    Mystery Matinees at Leeds Industrial Museum
    Enjoy a family film in the museum’s cosy, 1920s-style Palace Picture House. Please note, the museum is closed on Mondays.
    Tuesday 5 August to Sunday 31 August, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Mystery Matinees at Leeds Industrial Museum

    Crafty in the Cloister at Kirkstall Abbey
    Take part in craft activities in the heart of the Abbey – the cloister. Every Thursday afternoon there will be new craft and colouring activities, reflecting on the nature in the abbey. The Cloister is the central courtyard in the abbey that served as a quiet area, surrounded by covered walkways to minimise noise and disruption. A quiet and meditative space for the Cistercian monks.
    Thursday 7, 14, 21, 28 August, 2pm to 4pm, cost: give what you can
    Find out more: Crafty in the Cloister at Kirkstall Abbey

    Fladam presents…Green Fingers at Leeds libraries
    It’s Green Fingers’ first day at school, and so far nobody has spotted his bright green hands. But then… GOO! GUNK! GLOOP! What a mess! Why are they suddenly misbehaving? It doesn’t help that heinous headmaster Mr Marigold despises anything dirty… but is something magical going on? Maybe the answers can be found in the mysterious school garden? A family-friendly show recommended for children aged 3+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
    Tuesday 12 August to Thursday 21 August, various library locations, cost: give what you can
    Find out more: Fladam presents…Green Fingers at Leeds libraries

    Taxidermied! Workshop at Leeds Discovery Centre

    Join a Natural Science curator to look at how animals are taxidermied and preserved, and get up close to our animal collections. How are our animal collections preserved? Learn about taxidermy and the preservation of animals, and how they can contribute to the understanding of animals. After a tour in our store, we’ll be creating a shoebox scene of your own to take home.
    Wednesday 13 August, 10am to 12pm, cost: give what you can
    Find out more: Taxidermied! Workshop at Leeds Discovery Centre

    Pattern Making Poetry at Leeds Art Gallery
    Creative family fun session with artist Kalisha Piper Cheddie. Use drawing and collage to make patterns on long pieces of paper that will be hung on the large walls in Central Court on the first floor of the gallery. While you’re there, take some time to find out more about Lynette Yiadom-Boakye’s favourite music and poetry that inspired her exhibition, To Improvise a Mountain: Lynette Yiadom-Boakye Curates. Drop-in, no need to book.
    Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20, Thursday 21 August, 11am to 3pm, cost: give what you can
    Find out more: Pattern Making Poetry at Leeds Art Gallery

    The Child Friendly Leeds 12 wishes represent the voices of 80,000 children and young people in Leeds. Working towards these wishes makes Leeds a better city for children to grow up in. This article is in support of Child Friendly Leeds Wish 7: Children and young people know about different things to do and places to go across the city. They enjoy different cultural experiences including art, music, sport and film. Read the full wish and find out more: https://wearechildfriendlyleeds.com/wish-7-things-to-do/ Child Friendly Leeds also have a great guide full of even more things to do in Leeds over summer. Take a look at their summer activities guide here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Seven Leeds parks awarded as some of the best in the country

    Source: City of Leeds

    Some of Leeds’ most popular parks have been awarded the Green Flag Award after being recognised as being of international quality.

    Golden Acre Park, Kirkstall Abbey, Middleton Park, Otley Chevin Forest Park, Pudsey Park, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam Estate are all managed by Leeds City Council and have yet again been listed among the best in the country.

    The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

    Some of the Green Flag parks in Leeds have received the award every year for at least 15 years.

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “Our teams and volunteer groups work very hard to keep these sites to a high standard and for them to be spaces that people can enjoy every single day. We’re thrilled that we have once again received the prestigious Green Flag Award for these seven green spaces and that they are deemed of international quality.”

    Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved at Leeds City Council who have worked tirelessly to ensure that these parks achieve the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

    “Quality parks and green spaces like these seven make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

    “Crucially, these parks are vital green spaces for communities in Leeds to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

    Notes to editors

    The Green Flag Award Scheme (http://greenflagaward.org/) is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

    Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.  Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtune launches Virtune Coinbase 50 Index ETP on Nasdaq Stockholm

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Stockholm, July 16, 2025 – Virtune, the Swedish regulated crypto asset manager, announces the listing of its latest exchange-traded product, the Virtune Coinbase 50 Index ETP, on Nasdaq Stockholm traded in SEK. This listing marks a major milestone for Virtune’s continued growth in its home market and reinforces its position as a leading issuer of regulated, physically backed crypto ETPs in the Nordics.

    The product is now available to Swedish and Nordic investors via brokers and banks such as Avanza, Nordnet, SAVR and Montrose and is traded in SEK.

    Virtune has worked closely with Coinbase since its inception, collaborating across all key areas – staking, trading, and custody. The launch of the Virtune Coinbase 50 Index ETP marks the next step in strengthening this partnership. It is the world’s first exchange-traded product to track the Coinbase 50 Europe Index – a broadly diversified benchmark of up to 50 leading crypto assets. The index is developed by Coinbase and administered by MarketVector Indexes™. The ETP currently holds 21 crypto assets, with the target to expand to all 50 assets pending regulatory and exchange approvals.

    The Coinbase 50 Europe Index aims to provide investors with representative exposure to the most significant and relevant digital assets in the market. The product is tailored for both institutional and retail investors seeking regulated, transparent, and professional exposure to the crypto market.

    Allocation as of 15th of July 2025:

    https://www.virtune.com/product/vcoin50

    Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune:

    “Listing our Coinbase 50 Index ETP on Nasdaq Stockholm marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide secure and regulated access to digital assets investments in Sweden and the Nordics. We are thrilled to bring this flagship product to our home market, allowing investors to trade it in SEK on Nasdaq Stockholm.”

    The Virtune Coinbase 50 Index ETP is 100% physically backed by the underlying crypto assets, securely stored in cold-storage with Coinbase, and carries a competitive annual management fee of 0.95%.

    Learn more about the product here: www.virtune.com/product/vcoin50

    About Coinbase: 

    Crypto creates economic freedom by ensuring that people can participate fairly in the economy, and Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) is on a mission to increase economic freedom for more than 1 billion people. We’re updating the century-old financial system by providing a trusted platform that makes it easy for people and institutions to engage with crypto assets, including trading, staking, safekeeping, spending, and fast, free global transfers. We also provide critical infrastructure for onchain activity and support builders who share our vision that onchain is the new online. And together with the crypto community, we advocate for responsible rules to make the benefits of crypto available around the world.

    Brett Tejpaul, Head of Coinbase Institutional: 

    “With the launch of the Virtune Coinbase 50 Index ETP in Nordics, we’re making one of the most comprehensive benchmarks for the crypto market directly accessible to investors across the Nordics. This marks a major step forward in our mission to expand global access to digital assets and provide institutional-grade tools for navigating this evolving asset class. The introduction of this ETP reinforces our commitment to bridging traditional financial infrastructure with the growing demand for regulated, secure exposure to the digital economy.”

    About MarketVector:

    MarketVector Indexes™ (“MarketVector”) is a regulated Benchmark Administrator in Europe, incorporated in Germany and registered with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). MarketVector maintains indexes under the MarketVector™, MVIS®, and BlueStar® names. With a mission to accelerate index innovation globally, MarketVector is best known for its broad suite of Thematic indexes, a long-running expertise in Hard Asset-linked Equity indexes, and its pioneering Digital Asset index family. MarketVector is proud to be in partnership with more than 25 Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) issuers and index fund managers in markets throughout the world, with more than USD 57 billion in assets under management.

    Martin Leinweber, Director, Digital Asset Research and Strategy, MarketVector: 

    “The Virtune Coinbase 50 Index ETP marks a significant step forward for crypto investment in Europe, offering broad, institutional-grade exposure to digital assets through a single, efficient product. This milestone combines MarketVector’s index expertise, Coinbase’s market infrastructure, and Virtune’s transparent, regulated approach. We’re proud to deepen our partnership with Virtune by becoming the index provider for their entire range of crypto ETPs across Europe. Together, we’re delivering the tools institutional and retail investors need to navigate the digital asset landscape with greater confidence and clarity.”

    Key Information about the Product:

    • Exposure: Up to 50 leading crypto assets in a single product
    • Underlying assets: 100% physically backed by the underlying crypto assets
    • Custody: Institutional-grade custody by Coinbase
    • Management fee: 0.95% per annum
    • Trading currency: SEK
    • First day of trading on Nasdaq Stockholm: Monday, July 14, 2025
    • Bloomberg Ticker: VCOIN50
    • ISIN: SE0024738389
    • WKN: A4A5D4
    • Exchange ticker: VCOIN50
    • Exchanges: Nasdaq Stockholm, Nasdaq Helsinki, Deutsche Börse Xetra, Euronext Amsterdam, Euronext Paris

    For inquiries, please contact:

    Christopher Kock, CEO & Member of the Board of Directors
    +46 70 073 45 64
     christopher@virtune.com

    About Virtune AB (Publ):

    Virtune, headquartered in Stockholm, is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange-traded products on regulated European exchanges. Through regulatory compliance, strategic partnerships, and a highly experienced team, Virtune empowers global investors to access innovative and professional investment products aligned with the evolving global crypto market.

    Cryptocurrency investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com.. The Coinbase 50 Europe Index (“Index”) is the exclusive property of MarketVector Indexes GmbH (“MarketVector”) and its Licensors and has been licensed for use by Virtune AB (Publ) (“Licensee”). MarketVector has contracted with CC Data Limited to maintain and calculate the Index. CC Data Limited uses its best efforts to ensure that the Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MarketVector, CC Data Limited has no obligation to point out errors in the Index to third parties. In particular, MarketVector is not responsible for the Licensee and/or for Licensee’s legality or suitability and/or for Licensee’s business offerings. Offerings by Licensee, may they be based on the Virtune Coinbase 50 Europe ETP (“Product”) or not, are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by MarketVector and any of its affiliates, and MarketVector and any of its affiliates make no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Licensee and/or in Licensee’s business offerings. MARKETVECTOR AND ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AND ANY OF ITS LICENSORS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO LICENSEE.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Rehana Cassim, Professor in Company Law, University of South Africa

    Bribery is one of the most common forms of corruption in South African companies and state institutions. This has a number of harmful outcomes.

    Firstly, research shows that it weakens democracy and slows down economic growth. It also creates expensive barriers for honest businesses to succeed because it distorts fair competition. If bribery is not stopped or punished it has a demoralising effect, because it erodes trust and creates a culture where ethical conduct is undermined.

    In 2024 a new law came into force in South Africa that puts a duty on companies to take proactive steps to prevent bribery. This law falls under a broader law dealing with corruption in South Africa.

    The new provisions make it a crime for companies to fail to prevent bribery by an associated person. This is a major policy shift in South African anti-corruption law, and aligns with the United Kingdom’s anti-bribery legislation.

    An associated person is anyone who performs services for the company. This can include suppliers, joint venture partners, distributors, consultants, and other professionals advising the company. It can even be other companies, like subsidiaries.

    In my research I found that South Africa took inspiration from the United Kingdom (UK) Bribery Act 2010. The law makes it a criminal offence for commercial organisations to fail to prevent bribery by associated persons.

    Despite some successes, enforcement of the UK Bribery Act has been slow and the volume of prosecutions has been low.

    Based on my research into company conduct, given the current challenges in law enforcement and the low conviction rates for crimes of corruption, the new law might not work as well as hoped.

    But with improved enforcement, it has potential to reduce bribery in South Africa.

    What’s behind the new law?

    The new addition to the law was introduced after a commission of inquiry found evidence of widespread bribery and corruption under former president Jacob Zuma.

    For example, Angelo Agrizzi, former chief operating officer of African Global Operations (Pty) Ltd (formerly known as Bosasa), testified that Bosasa won about US$129 million in government tenders by paying about US$4 million in bribes to politicians and government officials. He said that every contract in which Bosasa was involved was linked to bribery and corruption.

    The new law is designed to prevent this from happening.

    If a person associated with a member of the private sector or an incorporated state-owned entity gives, agrees or offers to give a bribe (or gratification) to another person, the company could be held liable. This applies to companies as well as individuals, partnerships, trusts and other legal entities.

    The bribe must be given by the associated person to get business for the company or to gain a business advantage for it. Importantly, a company can be found guilty even if it didn’t know about the bribe.

    What counts as a bribe?

    A bribe (or gratification) is not just money. It includes avoiding a loss or other disadvantage, releasing any obligation or liability, or giving any favour or advantage.

    The bribe does not actually have to be given. It is enough if the associated person agrees or offers to give the bribe.

    It is not clear yet if hospitality or promotional expenditures count as bribes.

    Under the UK Bribery Act a hospitality payment is not regarded as a gratification unless it is disproportionate. In my view South Africa should follow the same approach.

    For example, if paying for transport from the airport to a hotel for an on-site visit, taking clients to dinner, or giving them tickets to an event aligns with the norms for the industry, this probably will not be seen as a bribe.

    Facilitation payments is another tricky area. These are small bribes made to minor officials to get routine administrative tasks done, such as applying for visas, clearing customs or getting licences.

    The new law doesn’t say whether facilitation payments are regarded as bribes. In my view, they should be.

    What companies need to do

    Companies can avoid liability under the new law if they can prove that they had adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery by associated persons.

    But the law doesn’t explain what “adequate procedures” are. Until the South African government provides guidance on this, it is useful to look at the guidance provided under the UK Bribery Act. It recommends the following:

    • Companies should adopt procedures that are proportionate to the bribery risks they face and the nature, scale and complexity of their activities.

    So a larger company operating in a high-risk market where bribery is known to be common must do more to prevent bribery than a smaller company in a low-risk market where bribery is less common.

    • The company’s board of directors should foster a culture where bribery is never acceptable.

    • Companies should periodically assess their exposure to potential bribery risks.

    • Companies should carry out due diligence procedures on their associated persons.

    • Companies should communicate their anti-bribery polices internally and externally. They should also provide training to ensure that everyone understands their anti-bribery position.

    • Companies should monitor their procedures and improve them where necessary.

    The way forward

    The South African government should urgently publish official guidelines to help companies understand what they must do to comply with the new law.

    The principles of South Africa’s corporate governance code, the King IV Report, can also be used to help companies comply with the new law. These principles promote ethical leadership, an ethical culture, risk management, accountability and transparency.

    Guidelines are also important for small and medium enterprises. They also have a legal duty to put in place adequate procedures to prevent bribery.

    Companies that have not already put in place anti-bribery procedures should act quickly. And they should check that their corporate hospitality policies are reasonable and proportionate to their businesses.

    Companies should also evaluate their relationships with the people associated with them.

    Setting up anti-bribery procedures may have cost implications. But not having them could cost far more. Having adequate procedures in place is the only defence under the new law.

    The Conversation

    Rehana Cassim does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act – https://theconversation.com/bribery-in-south-africa-law-now-puts-a-duty-on-companies-to-act-260148

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Huge majority deliver ‘leave Portsmouth alone’ message

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    The people of Portsmouth have delivered a clear directive to Government to leave Portsmouth alone.

    In a recent survey, 82% said they’re against Portsmouth being forced into Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and having to merge with other councils.

    Just under 4,000 Portsmouth residents responded to the council-run survey, with over four-fifths voicing their objection. The short survey ran for ten days to capture local opinion ahead of a region-wide LGR survey across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

    “The result speaks for itself and it’s one of the most decisive answers we’ve ever had to a survey, and by far the biggest response in such a short time,” said Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt.

    “It was vital that we gave Portsmouth residents a say and the message to Government is clear, we don’t need council reorganisation here, leave Portsmouth alone.

    “Portsmouth already has one council that’s financially stable and delivers all of the council services to residents. There’s no evidence that a bigger new council will bring any benefits, but what we know is, the cost of reorganisation will be on tax-paying residents.”

    Under its national LGR plans, the Government wants to replace two-tier council areas with single, larger councils that deliver all council services. Portsmouth already has a single council, but because the Government wants new councils to deliver to an average of around 500,000 people, bigger than Portsmouth’s population, it has been told it must take part.

    The Government may not listen to Portsmouth residents and could force the city to be part of LGR. Considering this, the survey asked if Portsmouth has to merge, who it should be with. Of those who expressed a preference, 61% agree that, if forced, Portsmouth should merge with Fareham, Gosport and Havant councils.

    All other options to merge with other councils received under 10% of support.

    Individual councils must submit a final, preferred LGR option for the region to Government by September.

    So, Portsmouth City Council is working as part of a group of 12 councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on options that would create four new, larger single councils to cover the mainland, with the Isle of Wight remaining separate. All options propose Portsmouth joins with Fareham, Gosport and Havant.

    A region-wide survey on these options is live and closes on Sunday 27 July. Take the survey here: https://ourplaceourfuture.commonplace.is/

    Read the full Portsmouth LGR survey results.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Moscow is the only region where a graduate received 400 points on the Unified State Exam

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Sergei Sobyanin congratulated graduates on the end of the period unified state exam (USE), in Moscow more than 90 thousand people passed it. He wrote about this in his telegram channel.

    “For the second year in a row, the capital remains the only region where graduates showed the highest results.

    400 points Nadezhda Yashmolkina, a student at school No. 1514, scored 100 points in one subject, 1,651 Muscovites received 200 points for two exams, and four received 300 points for three subjects,” the Moscow Mayor said.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin 

    More and more schoolchildren are taking the Unified State Exam in natural sciences and technical subjects. The results are also improving. The number of those who scored 100 points in computer science has increased sixfold, twofold in chemistry, and 1.2 times in biology.

    For admission, graduates from the capital choose the country’s leading universities. For example, Nadezhda Yashmolkina will study at the Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, and Stefania Nechaeva from School No. 1535, who received 300 points, chose the Chemistry Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University.

    The high achievements of young Muscovites are also the result of a special approach to preparing graduates for the Unified State Exam in the capital’s schools. Special practical training takes up at least 40 percent of the study time, and on the Moscow Electronic School platform you can watch video analysis of assignments and take tests with automatic checking.

    “The kids, together with their parents and teachers, have done a great job. Good luck and further success!” the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US to impose 19 percent tariff on Indonesian goods – D. Trump

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NEW YORK, July 16 (Xinhua) — Indonesia will pay a 19 percent tariff on all goods exported to the United States, while American exports to Indonesia will be exempt from tariff and non-tariff barriers, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social on Tuesday.

    “I have completed a major deal with the Republic of Indonesia after speaking with its highly respected President Prabowo Subianto. This landmark deal opens the entire Indonesian market to the United States for the first time in history,” he wrote.

    As part of the agreement, Indonesia committed to purchasing energy resources worth $15 billion and agricultural products worth $4.5 billion on the American market, as well as 50 Boeing aircraft, the head of the White House added.

    According to D. Trump, as a result of the deal, the United States will for the first time gain full access to the Indonesian market, where more than 280 million people live. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Afghan authorities destroy 65 tons of expired food products in Kabul

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KABUL, July 16 (Xinhua) — Afghan authorities collected and destroyed 65 tons of expired and substandard food products in the capital Kabul on Tuesday, Mohammad Masoud Rahimi, an official with the Food and Medicine Department of the Health Ministry, said.

    “Today, in the presence of representatives of the Intelligence Directorate and the Kabul Municipality, 65 tons of /expired and low-quality/ products, approximately 11,000 packages, were destroyed,” he said.

    The Ministry of Health is committed to protecting public safety and is determined to destroy such food and medicines, M. M. Rahimi said, adding that legal action will be taken against violators.

    According to him, since March 21, the department has collected and destroyed 140 tons of expired and low-quality food and medicine in Kabul. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China and Australia sign memorandum of understanding on implementation and review of free trade agreement

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) — China and Australia on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation and review of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to the Ministry of Commerce.

    The document was signed by Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and Australian Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ian Adams in the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

    Since the China-Australia free trade agreement came into effect in 2015, it has greatly contributed to the fruitful development of trade and economic relations between the two countries, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.

    The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Australia FTA coming into force. The two sides will take this opportunity to maintain close cooperation, continue high-quality implementation of the FTA, and jointly review the FTA to identify areas for further improvement or expansion, the Commerce Ministry said.

    This will increase the level of liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, thereby providing a higher level of institutional guarantees for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, the department added. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A helicopter that went missing on its way to Magadan has been found in Russia’s Khabarovsk Krai

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Vladivostok, July 16 (Xinhua) — The Mi-8 helicopter that went missing on Monday en route from the village of Okhotsk in Khabarovsk Krai to Magadan has been found near Cape Gadikan in Khabarovsk Krai, TASS reported, citing the press service of the Russian Emergencies Ministry.

    The helicopter was found destroyed with traces of fire 130 km northeast of the village of Okhotsk on a mountain slope. There is no information about the fate of the crew yet. Rescuers are heading to the site to survey the area where the helicopter was found. A criminal case has been opened into the disappearance of the helicopter.

    On Monday, the Mi-8 helicopter took off from Okhotsk to Magadan to its permanent deployment location. The crew failed to make contact at the appointed time, and the emergency radio beacon did not work. There were five people on board — three crew members and two technical specialists. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump announced the introduction of a single tariff for small countries in the amount of slightly more than 10 percent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NEW YORK, July 16 (Xinhua) — The United States will impose a flat tariff of just over 10 percent on smaller countries, including many in Africa and the Caribbean, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday.

    “We’ll probably put a single tariff on all of them,” he told reporters at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. That could be a duty of just over 10 percent on goods from at least 100 countries, the Associated Press quoted the president as saying.

    Earlier in the day, Trump announced a deal with Jakarta in which Indonesia will pay a 19 percent tariff on all goods exported to the United States, while American exports to the Asian country will be exempt from tariff and non-tariff barriers.

    The White House chief recently sent letters to leaders of several countries, including a number of major US trading partners, announcing 20-50 percent tariffs effective August 1.

    D. Trump also said that he could announce tariffs on pharmaceuticals at the end of July. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel strikes Syrian forces in As-Suwayda

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    JERUSALEM, July 16 (Xinhua) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday they had ordered the military to strike Syrian forces in Syria’s southern province of As-Suwayda, claiming to protect the local Druze population.

    The move came shortly after Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra announced a ceasefire in As-Suwayda after Syrian forces entered the area.

    In a joint statement, Netanyahu and Katz said they had ordered the military to “immediately strike” Syrian forces and weapons in the area to “prevent the Syrian regime from harming” the Druze because of their “deep fraternal alliance with the Druze citizens of Israel and their family and historical ties to the Druze in Syria.”

    The Israeli military said in a separate statement that it had targeted Syrian armored vehicles and rocket launchers. It said that columns of armored vehicles and tanks heading toward As-Suwayda were identified on Monday evening and their routes were also targeted in an effort to prevent them from reaching the area.

    The military added that they continue to monitor developments and are prepared for defense and various scenarios. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Second Quarter Report 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    April – June 2025 Serstech Group

    • Net sales amounted to KSEK 4 563 (21 369).
    • EBITDA amounted to KSEK – 8 875 (5 595).
    • EBIT amounted to KSEK -10 992 (3 715).
    • Cash flow from operating activities amounted to KSEK -11 631 (-1 112).
    • Earnings per share amounted to SEK -0.04(0.02).
    • Earnings per average number of shares amounted to SEK -0.04 (0.02).

    January – June 2025 Serstech Group

    • Net sales amounted to KSEK 24 455 (35 543).
    • EBITDA amounted to KSEK – 8 204 (6 963).
    • EBIT amounted to KSEK -12 329 (3 194).
    • Cash flow from operating activities amounted to KSEK -14 772 (515).
    • Earnings per share amounted to SEK -0.05 (0.01).
    • Earnings per average number of shares amounted to SEK -0.05 (0.01).

    Message from the CEO

    The second quarter of 2025 showed lower sales, amounting to approximately 4.5 MSEK (21.4 MSEK). The lower sales in Q2 are in line with the broader market, as several companies in our sector have reported a slow quarter, largely due to geopolitical uncertainty and delayed procurement processes — particularly in the US, where several planned purchases have been put on hold. We have also seen limited customer participation at key US industry exhibitions, reflecting a cautious market sentiment.

    Despite the short-term challenges, we have continued to execute on our strategic plan. Our expanded sales team is now largely in place, with the final addition for this year starting in September. Compared to the beginning of the year, we have doubled the size of the sales team, which now consists of six dedicated sales professionals. This expanded capacity is a critical enabler for our growth ambitions, and we are already seeing positive effects in terms of opportunity pipeline development.

    In parallel, we have made strong progress on cost efficiency. Our transition to in-house production is proceeding according to plan, with pilot production starting in late summer and volume production expected to begin in Q4. All systems, suppliers, and processes are in place. This shift will reduce our cost of goods sold (COGS) significantly — well timed given the intensified price pressure we now see in the market. We have recently lost a few minor tenders on price, which reinforces the importance of our ongoing cost reduction initiatives.

    Having a production site in-house, in addition to the third-party one, will increase production capacity and resilience, and strengthen the collaboration between R&D and production. We have already made several improvements to both the product design and production process to improve quality and yield, while reducing COGS significantly.

    Our opportunity pipeline for the second half of the year remains strong. With the new sales team in place, we expect pipeline growth to accelerate further. Until now, our limited sales capacity has been the main bottleneck, requiring me to focus almost exclusively on field sales and international travel to support customer engagements.

    We successfully closed our Romanian office during the quarter and completed key recruitments in Lund. Consolidating the team under one roof will not only reduce overall costs but also improve collaboration, efficiency, and innovation. We are already seeing the benefits, with several new patent applications scheduled to be filed in the near term.

    With a stronger team, a more competitive cost structure, and a growing market need, we are well positioned for a strong second half of the year.

    Stefan Sandor, CEO
    April 2025

    For further information, please contact:
    Stefan Sandor,
    CEO, Serstech AB Phone: +46 739 606 067
    Email: ss@serstech.com

    or

    Thomas Pileby,
    Chairman of the Board, Serstech AB Phone: +46 702 072 643
    Email: tp@serstech.com
    or visit: www.serstech.com

    This is information that Serstech AB (publ.) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above at 08:45 CET on July 16, 2025.

    Certified advisor to Serstech is Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning AB (SKMG).

    About Serstech

    Serstech delivers solutions for chemical identification and has customers around the world, mainly in the safety and security industry. Typical customers are customs, police authorities, security organizations and first responders. The solutions and technology are however not limited to security applications and potentially any industry using chemicals of some kind could be addressed by Serstech’s solution. Serstech’s head office is in Sweden and design, development and production are done in Sweden.

    Serstech is traded at Nasdaq First North Growth Market and more information about the company can be found at www.serstech.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed new Chief of the Air Staff

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed new Chief of the Air Staff

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025.

    The Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of the new Chief of the Air Staff.

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025. He joined the RAF in 1991 as a direct entrant and then spent 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor having flown hundreds of operational missions over Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

    Since his promotion to Air Commodore in 2015, Air Marshal Smyth has held a range of command positions and is currently the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Military Strategy and Operations.

    The appointment comes at a transformative time for the RAF as it moves to warfighting readiness following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, including the recent announcement that the UK will purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s nuclear mission as the government delivers greater security for working people through its Plan for Change.

    The Chief of the Air Staff is responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of all Royal Air Force operations, people and capability. The position is accountable to the Secretary of State for Defence for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale as well as the development and sustainment of the RAF.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP, said:

    I warmly congratulate Air Marshal Harv Smyth on his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff. He has outstanding credentials to lead the RAF in a crucial period of transformation for the force.

    Air Marshal Smyth has led a distinguished career to date. From spending 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor, to flying hundreds of operational missions from both land bases and aircraft carriers, to holding numerous vital command positions, he has served our nation loyally.

    I would also like to recognise Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton’s superb leadership of the RAF over the last two years. I know he and Air Marshal Smyth will work together to deliver a landmark shift in our deterrence and defence.

    The RAF is always globally deployed and ready to defend the nation. RAF pilots and aircrew are currently deployed on Operation SHADER to combat Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria, in Qatar as part of our joint Typhoon squadron, and in Eastern Europe as part of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission to deter Russia.

    Incoming Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said:

    I am absolutely delighted that Air Marshal Harv Smyth has been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff, and I have every confidence that he will lead the Royal Air Force brilliantly and make sure we are ready to fly and fight. 

    As I hand over to Air Marshal Smyth, I know that under his command the Royal Air Force will go from strength to strength to ensure that we are always ready to protect and promote our national interests on the world stage. I wish him every success and look forward to working with him in leadership of our Armed Forces.

    This announcement comes following Sir Rich Knighton’s promotion to Chief of the Defence Staff, a role he will take up in September.

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth, said:

    I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff at such an important time for the Royal Air Force. The Strategic Defence Review makes clear the need for us to rapidly evolve and modernise to meet current and future threats and I am enormously proud to lead the Service at such a crucial point in our history. 

    I take over from Sir Rich Knighton, who has achieved so much over the past two years, preparing the Royal Air Force for the challenges that we currently face and developing the operational mindset that we need, should we transition to conflict. I share in his unwavering support for our people and am delighted to have this opportunity to lead our Whole Force as we deliver outstanding Air and Space Power for the UK and NATO.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Trust and human-AI collaboration set to define the next era of agentic AI, unlocking $450 billion opportunity by 2028

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact: 
    Mollie Mellows
    Tel: +44 7342 709384
    Email: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

    Trust and human-AI collaboration set to define the next era of agentic AI, unlocking $450 billion opportunity by 2028

    • AI agents are poised to deliver up to $450 billion in economic value by 2028 through revenue gains and cost savings, yet the path to scale is currently elusive
    • Confidence in fully autonomous AI agents dropped from 43% to 27% in the past year amidst privacy and ethical concerns
    • However, AI agents are expected to be involved in most business tasks within three years, with effective human-agent collaboration projected to increase human engagement in high-value tasks by 65%

    Paris, July 16, 2025 – Agentic AI is poised to deliver up to $450 billion in economic value by 2028 yet, despite strong momentum, only 2% of organizations have fully scaled deployment and trust in AI agents is declining. Organizations are discovering that AI agents deliver the greatest impact when humans remain actively involved. Nearly three-quarters of executives say the benefits of human oversight outweigh the costs, and 90% view human involvement in AI-driven workflows as either positive or cost-neutral. This is according to the Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report “Rise of agentic AI: How trust is the key to human-AI collaboration”, that finds trust and human oversight are critical factors in realizing the potential of agentic AI, and the gap between intent and readiness is now one of the biggest barriers to realizing the $450 billion opportunity.

    Agentic AI is one of the fastest-emerging technological trends, but organizations are still in the early stages of application. While nearly a quarter have already launched pilots and a small number have begun implementation (14%), the majority remain in planning mode. This steady progress stands in contrast to executive ambition – nearly all (93%) business leaders believe that scaling AI agents over the next 12 months will provide a competitive edge, yet nearly half of organizations still lack a strategy for implementing them.

    “The economic potential of AI agents is significant but realizing this value depends on more than just the technology, it requires a comprehensive and strategic transformation across people, processes and systems,” said Franck Greverie, Chief Portfolio & Technology Officer, Head of Global Business Lines, and Group Executive Board Member at Capgemini. “To succeed, organizations must remain focused on outcomes, reimagining their processes with an AI-first mindset. Central to this transformation is the need to build trust in AI by ensuring it is developed responsibly, with ethics and safety baked in from the outset. It also means reshaping organizations to support effective human-AI chemistry, creating the right conditions for these systems to enhance human judgment and help deliver superior business outcomes.”

    Organizations prioritize transparency as the agentic AI trust gap widens
    Trust in fully autonomous AI agents has dropped sharply, from 43% to 27% in the past year alone, with nearly two in five executives believing that the risks of implementing AI agents outweigh the benefits. Only 40% of organizations say they trust AI agents to manage tasks and processes autonomously, while most do not fully trust the technology.

    The report finds that as organizations move from exploration to implementation, trust in AI agents grows: for organizations in implementation phase, 47% have an above average level of trust, compared to 37% in exploratory phase. Therefore, organizations are prioritizing transparency, clarity around how AI agents make decisions, and ethical safeguards to drive greater adoption.

    Human-AI chemistry is key to lasting adoption
    The real promise of agentic AI lies in tackling core business challenges and reimagining how work gets done. Within the next 12 months, over 60% of organizations expect to form human-agent teams where AI agents function as subordinates or enhance human capabilities. This means that AI agents can no longer be considered tools, they are becoming active participants in the team.

    70% of organizations believe AI agents will necessitate organizational restructuring, prompting leaders to rethink roles, team structures, and workflows. Enterprises are discovering AI agents deliver most value when humans remain in the loop. With effective human-AI collaboration, organizations expect a 65% increase in human engagement in high-value tasks, a 53% rise in creativity, and a 49% boost in employee satisfaction.

    The time to scale is now
    The $450 billion dollar opportunity for AI agents to deliver new economic value by 2028 includes both revenue uplift and cost savings, driven by the implementation of semi to fully autonomous AI agents. Scaled adoption is found to hold far greater potential, as organizations with scaled implementation are projected to generate approximately $382 million on average over the next three years, while others may realize around $76 million.

    In the near term, AI agents are expected to see most extensive adoption in customer service, IT, and sales, expanding into operations, R&D, and marketing over the next three years. However, most deployments remain at early stages of autonomy with only 15% of all business processes operating at semi-autonomous to fully autonomous levels in a year. While this is expected to rise to 25% by 2028, most agents today function as assistants or copilots, supporting routine tasks rather than independently managing complex workflows.

    AI-readiness remains a challenge
    Today, most organizations are not equipped to scale agentic AI effectively cites the report. 80% lack mature AI infrastructure and fewer than one in five report high levels of data-readiness. Ethical concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and lack of explainability remain widespread, yet few organizations are taking decisive action. For example, privacy is the primary concern for over half of organizations (51%), yet only 34% are actively taking steps to mitigate it. Compounding this, only half of business leaders say they understand what AI agents are capable of, and even fewer can identify where these systems outperform traditional automation.

    To harness the full potential of AI agents, organizations must move beyond the hype, recommends the report – working toward redesigning processes and reimagining business models, transforming organizational structure, and striking the right balance between agent autonomy and human involvement.

    For more information and to download the full report, click here.

    Report methodology
    The Capgemini Research Institute conducted a global survey of 1,500 executives at organizations each with more than $1 billion in annual revenue across 14 countries. Organizations operate across 13 sectors and all have started to explore Agentic AI. The global survey took place in April 2025. Executives surveyed are at director level and above, and of these, 60% are from data and AI functions, while 40% are from diverse business functions.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About the Capgemini Research Institute
    The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first.

    Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: World hits will sound new at the festival “Non-classical Classics”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The music festival “Non-classical classics” will take place on Bolotnaya Square on July 26. It will be part of the festival “Youth Point”. The artists will present modern world hits in original instrumental arrangements. Registration for the concert is open on the portal “Youth of Moscow”.

    “The festival “Non-classical classics” is a unique combination of modern musical culture and classical forms of sound. We are happy to invite young people and all residents of the capital to “Youth Point” to enjoy the atmosphere of creativity, inspiration and summer mood together. “Youth of Moscow” creates a space where everyone can find themselves – in music, sports or creativity,” said Margarita Savinkina, head of the project “Youth of Moscow”.

    Live music and master classes

    Festival participants will also be able to take part in creative master classes on music themes. Thus, at 14:00 in the Development hub, there will be a quilling class called “Treble Clef”. Here, you can master the technique of making flat or three-dimensional compositions from long and narrow strips of paper twisted into a spiral. At 15:00, guests will be taught how to make quick drawings at a musical sketching session. At 16:00, those who wish will be able to make a 3D postcard in the shape of a grand piano, and from 17:00 to 18:00, they will learn how to make a tambourine.

    At 2:00 PM, the Creative hub will teach you how to play the guitar and make origami. At 5:00 PM, there will be a master class on improvisation on the percussion instrument hang. Entrance to all master classes is free.

    The evening will culminate in an open-air concert starting at 21:00. The QuintElle instrumental group, the Nella Musica Ensemble, the Limoncello and Spirit OFF Streets groups will present their own interpretations of world hits, combining classics and modern musical trends.

    Festival “Youth Point” will last in the capital until September 14. Bolotnaya Square hosts creative and sports spaces, a rollerdrome is open, and discos with invited artists and popular DJs are held every Friday and Saturday.

    Moscow is a city of youth. The capital offers wide opportunities for its development, creative self-expression, comfortable life and interesting leisure. It has a developed infrastructure, thousands of events of different scale and focus are held here.

    More opportunities for young city dwellers can be found on the portal “Youth of Moscow” and project pages insocial networks.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports programs are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –