As the world moves toward a new era defined by technological advancements, three key sectors are at the forefront of transforming global industries : global manufacturing, smart cities, and the digital economy. These rapidly evolving areas are shaping the future of economies, urban landscapes, and societies.
The 14th edition of the AIM Congress aims to delve into these innovations, exploring how these three interconnected areas are driving the future of investment, industry, and societal development on a global scale.
Revolutionizing global manufacturing : From 4.0 to 5.0
The global manufacturing industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. Once driven by mass production and assembly lines, the industry is now on the verge of a revolution, moving from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0. The new wave of manufacturing technologies relies on advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to not only improve production efficiency but also create a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem.
Titled « From 4.0 to 5.0: Leveraging Industry and Bringing Cutting-Edge Factories to Life », this segment of the AIM Congress will focus on addressing key challenges such as supply chain disruptions and global crises, while emphasizing sustainability and innovation.
Modern manufacturing is now centered on agility, with factories being intelligent, interconnected systems that anticipate and respond to changes in real-time. This shift is expected to drive investments in advanced manufacturing technologies, spur product innovation, and promote operational efficiency all essential elements for coping with the complexities of a post-pandemic world.
By adopting this new paradigm, industries not only enhance their production capabilities but also make significant progress in sustainability. Automation, predictive analytics, and digital twins (virtual replicas of physical factories) are at the heart of this evolution.
These technologies enable companies to anticipate problems, optimize operations, and reduce waste, fostering a more eco-friendly manufacturing process.
Smart cities : Building the cities of tomorrow
As the urban population continues to grow, the development of smart cities has become an essential element of sustainable growth. The « Cities of the Future » dossier presented at AIM Congress 2025, under the theme « Building the Cities of Tomorrow: A Hub for Global Prosperity », examines how megacities can be designed to be more efficient, resilient, and inclusive.
According to UN projections, 66 % of the global population will live in cities by 2050, making urban areas essential hubs of innovation, health, and economic opportunity. Smart cities rely on the integration of technology and infrastructure to address the many challenges posed by rapid urbanization. These cities are envisioned as centers of green infrastructure, smart transportation systems, and mixed-use developments that focus on accessibility and sustainability. Pedestrian-friendly public spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and smart grids are essential components for making these cities more livable.
But smart cities are not just about convenience: they promote social cohesion and economic inclusion. By creating environments that offer opportunities to all citizens, these cities can become engines of growth, where the public and private sectors collaborate to address social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The AIM Congress will explore how investments in green technologies and smart infrastructure not only improve the quality of life but also generate economic returns through innovative urban planning and development.
Digital economy : Embracing transformation
The digital economy lies at the heart of both global manufacturing and smart cities. The digital revolution has fundamentally changed how businesses operate, how governments interact with citizens, and how societies function.
Digital transformation is no longer optional. The rise of e-commerce, fintech, blockchain, and AI has revolutionized all sectors, from finance to healthcare to education. This interconnected ecosystem of digital technologies forms the backbone of a sustainable and inclusive future, where access to digital tools and services can help level the playing field for developing economies.
One of the key objectives of the digital economy is to support the transition to a global digital economy. Achieving this requires strategic investments in infrastructure, such as broadband networks, cloud computing, and cybersecurity frameworks. These investments not only drive economic growth but also ensure inclusion, allowing even remote regions to participate in the global digital market.
By integrating digital solutions across various sectors, governments and businesses empower individuals and communities, creating a ripple effect of economic prosperity.
Synergy between sectors
What makes these three portfolios (Global Manufacturing, Smart Cities, and the Digital Economy) so powerful is their interconnectivity. Investments in one area directly impact the others, creating a synergy that drives growth and development on a global scale.
For instance, smart manufacturing systems rely on digital technologies to optimize production processes, just as smartcities use these same technologies to improve urban living conditions. Similarly, the digital economy thrives when industries and urban environments are digitized and interconnected.
The AIM Congress 2025 will serve as a critical platform to explore how these sectors are interdependent and how innovative strategies can align them to create a more sustainable and resilient future. The event will feature a mix of exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches, bringing together thought leaders from around the worldto share their perspectives, exchange ideas, and explore cutting-edge technologies shaping the future.
