| | SEPTEMBER 20209CIOReviewThe drive for efficiency has already led to big wins enabled by digital. An example is in the field of electrical power supply. As the region moves to more intermittent renewable generation, matching supply and demand becomes a dynamic challenge, with potential for significant benefits in terms of economic performance and carbon reduction, and the social benefits that follow. By combining domain experience with digital expertise, accessing multiple data sources and using the predictive power of software, a step-change in the ability to manage the network has already been achieved.Bringing in the best from overseasThere are lessons to be learned from other territories as well. In the UK water industry deployment of advanced automation in pipeline design can cut six weeks from the typical design programme for a 50km route and deliver designs that are optimised against cost and carbon. Digital processes for sharing and approving information has cut six months from a two-year design programme for one of London's largest infrastructure programmes, the £4.2 bn Thames Tideway. The UK Infrastructure Client Group put digital transformation at the heart of its Project 13 programme for enterprise working, and the Centre for Digital Built Britain at the University of Cambridge is leading international work on Digital Twins.Better for everyoneIn such a disruptive world, there is a danger that opportunity accrues to the prosperous and the already vulnerable are further left behind. There is increasing recognition of the economic costs of social failure yet, as we already see in some developing countries, the digital agenda brings an opportunity to enhance the contributions from previously largely invisible parts of society. With such power to bring beneficial change, the role of the CIO should embrace the principles of Environmental, Social and Governance investing.Opportunity for LeadershipThere is a massive opportunity for UAE/GCC countries to be at the centre of a step-change in deploying digital in meeting the challenges of our times and bringing together the best thinking from around the world for showing how rapid digital transformation in infrastructure really can lead to a new normal that sets us on our way to a sustainable future. Lu'ay Khdeir, Mott MacDonald's Regional Development Director, believes that `'the region will come out of the current crisis stronger and more resilient as we face the challenges ahead, driving enhanced social outcomes through digital leadership''. Now more than ever, digital transformation must be embraced across the entire C-suite with a clear strategy and shared vision
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