The survival of small and medium-sized businesses in the digital age is a major challenge. Spain estimates that 89 % of its SMEs are prioritizing their online presence, according to data from a YouGov study for IONOS.

This same assessment shows that 58 % of companies have their own website, “while 55 % use corporate email with their own domain, and another 55 % use social media in their digital strategy.”

These percentages place the European country above France (79 %), Germany (84 %), and the United Kingdom (82 %) in online presence. A decision that will be strengthened this year as it is considered key by 51 % of companies, in addition to related aspects such as cybersecurity and data protection.

Another area SMEs want to strengthen is the digitalization of their business model by storing data in the cloud.

Investment in digitalization for 2025 also considers growth and competitiveness. “The main priority will be to strengthen the company’s website, chosen by 4.6 % of respondents as their main area of ​​investment in 2025. IT security and data protection is the second most voted option, with 38% of companies allocating budgets to this area, which represents a 5 % increase compared to 2024.”

Social Media and Artificial Intelligence

Presence on social media is crucial for 38 % of the companies surveyed, which are allocating funds to strengthen their presence on these platforms.

On the other hand, “investment in artificial intelligence solutions has grown to 22 %, which represents a 5 % increase compared to the 2024 study.”

This means that more and more companies are recognizing the potential of AI to improve their processes and efficiency.

Barriers hindering digitalization

The study does not ignore the obstacles faced by Spanish SMEs in the transition to digitalization. One of the main barriers, identified by 69 % of SMEs, is costs. Added to this are bureaucracy, lack of time, “security and data protection in an increasingly complex digital environment,” not to mention the financial and administrative obstacles that slow the progress of digitalization.

M.Pino

Source: ituser

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Global cooperation on water resources, equitable supply to the population, the development of technologies applied to this resource such as artificial technology (AI), are some of the points that come to the fore on World Water Day, today 22 of March.

Agreements and conventions for sustainable use of water

Among the international conventions and agreements on water resources and their management, the Albufera Agreement heads the list, between Spain and Portugal, in force since January 17, 2000. It is the Agreement on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Waters of the Hispano-Portuguese Hydrographic Basins, which was actually signed in 1998 and perfected with a Protocol for the Review of the Flow Regime in 2008, in order to “define for each hydrographic basin a regime of flows necessary to guarantee the good state of waters and current and future uses.

Also, significant is the Toulouse Agreement, between France and Spain, which operates under the background of the Helsinki Convention and the Water Framework Directive (WFD). It was signed in 2006 with the purpose “to coordinate in the best possible way the measures taken in the hydrographic basins located on both sides of the border, and on the other hand, to establish regular and followed administrative cooperation between the two countries regarding to the implementation of the DMA”.

The Helsinki Convention, signed in 1992, is officially called the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. The instrument entered into force on October 6, 1996. It establishes that the parties must establish specific bilateral or multilateral agreements, as well as the creation of the necessary institutions to address responsibilities related to “transboundary waters, providing a solid legal framework.” to cooperation on shared water resources within the UNECE.”

Another important organization is the Conference of Ibero-American Water Directorates and Authorities (CODIA), which brings together the “politically responsible for the management of water resources from 22 Ibero-American countries, with representation from different organizations in the sector.” It is made up of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Concern of the United Nations Organization for free access to water

The current challenges in terms of water, which involve geographical, logistical, climatic, technological, political issues, among others, accentuate the need for successful methods to satisfy the needs of the planet.

The UN points out that at least “40 % of the world’s population lives in shared basins.” Likewise, transboundary waters “represent 60 % of the world’s freshwater flows.”

On the other hand, the organization details that in the world, “153 countries have territory within at least 1 of the 310 transboundary river and lake basins and 468 inventoried transboundary aquifer systems.”

Cross-border collaboration agreements are essential to meet the goals of universal and equitable access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as improving water quality globally by 2030.

New technologies to improve water sustainability

Artificial intelligence (AI) is, without a doubt, a new and valuable ally to optimize the sustainability and efficiency of water resources. Siemens is one of the companies that stands out with solutions such as BuntPlanet and Siemens Water (SIWA).

These solutions use data collection for risk prediction and reduction, particularly related to flooding. Projections and simulations can put authorities on alert and avoid disasters.

It is also applied in methods to “identify leaks, detect pressure problems and optimize the complete flow of water”, which can reduce operating and maintenance costs, in addition to improving access to drinking water.

Demand management is, without a doubt, one of the most sensitive aspects. There, AI is applied to reduce waste “and meet water demand in the most effective way possible.”

M.Pino

Source: revistaeconomia

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Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, reveals that the company’s experimental melanoma vaccine could reach the market in just two years, marking a historic milestone in the fight against the most serious form of skin cancer.

With 325,000 new cases and 57,000 deaths worldwide by 2020, melanoma is a global health concern.

Bancel points out that “in some countries, the product could be launched with accelerated approval by 2025″, highlighting the potential positive impact of this new therapeutic vaccine.

Unlike conventional vaccines, these therapeutic vaccines not only prevent, but also treat diseases by training the immune system against the invading agent.

Bancel describes therapeutic vaccines as “immunotherapy 2.0” and highlights the support for Moderna’s projects with the recent results of clinical trials, which reveal significant improvements in the chances of survival thanks to the vaccine.

The technology behind this breakthrough is messenger RNA (mRNA), previously successful in treating severe forms of Covid-19.

In a study of 157 people with advanced melanoma, Moderna’s vaccine, combined with Merck’s immunotherapy drug Keytruda, reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 49% over three years, compared with Keytruda alone.

Earlier results in 2022 had already shown a 44 % risk reduction over two years. Bancel highlights the growing difference in survival over time, stressing that the rate of side effects has not increased.

“We have a 50 % survival rate compared to the best product on the market. This is monumental in oncology,” says Bancel, highlighting the importance of this medical breakthrough.

K. Tovar

Source: Bancaynegocios

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In the midst of a challenging economic context characterized by inflation, Venezuelan citizens seek smart strategies to preserve their purchasing power and guarantee financial stability. In this scenario, savings tactics and the adoption of measures to confront economic uncertainty become crucial.

Income diversification

Tackling inflation requires thinking beyond traditional income. Exploring additional income opportunities, such as freelance work, small businesses, or investments, can provide a more stable source of income.

Effective budget

Creating a detailed budget becomes essential. Identifying unnecessary expenses and prioritizing basic needs will allow resources to be allocated more efficiently, avoiding financial surprises and contributing to savings.

Foreign currency savings

Considering saving in foreign currencies can be an effective strategy to protect the value of money amid inflation. Digital platforms and financial services can facilitate this option.

Planned purchase

Taking advantage of offers and making planned purchases can make a difference. Purchasing basic products at strategic times and comparing prices at various stores helps maximize the value of money.

Financial Education

Investing time in financial education is key. Understanding investment principles, knowing the risks, and staying aware of economic trends will help you make more informed financial decisions.

In times of inflation in Venezuela, adaptability and financial planning become indispensable allies. By implementing smart savings strategies and making informed financial decisions, citizens can mitigate the impacts of inflation and build a stronger path to economic stability.

Taken from Doble Llave

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