The Top 100 Most Innovative Infrastructure Projects in the World

What are the top infrastructure projects in the world? Why were they chosen? What projects are hot in North America? How is cloud computing changing the way business in conducted?

These were just a few of the questions that are answered in the annual study performed by KPMG which outlines the Infrastructure 100: World Cities Edition.  

This information was actually released in July 2012, and a new version is coming out this summer. I recommend taking an hour and exploring this interactive website which offers world maps, project descriptions, a media newsroom, panel judges and much more. This resource outlines a wealth of helpful information on best practices in infrastructure around the world.

For example, here are a few interesting articles and facts that are featured:

-          China, Brazil and Singapore Lead Consumption of Digital Media and the Willingness to Pay for It

-          Cloud Services Providers Confident Despite Questions Around Cost Savings, Control, and Security

-          Six Key Steps for Higher Education Institutions Expanding Globally

-          The ‘war for talent’ has gone digital – is HR ready?

Business Activity in the Cloud

Zooming in a bit further and looking at technology infrastructure, the KPMG study examines the business implications of cloud computing. I like this excerpt:

“… Organizations are starting to shift more and more core business functions onto cloud platforms and we are seeing a growing recognition that cloud adoption is significantly more complex than originally anticipated, particularly in terms of data management, system integration and the management of multiple cloud providers.

Findings from our recent cloud research, The Cloud Takes Shape, suggest that business process redesign must occur in tandem with cloud adoption if organizations hope to achieve the full potential of their cloud investments….”

  One more thing on this recent global KPMG survey regarding cloud computing. The report outlines these takeaways:

      Setting expectations - Cost reduction is a given, but transformation is critical.

Tackling the practicalities - Overcoming the implementation challenge.    Taking a sober look at security - Comfort increases but challenges remain. [Note: the risk numbers from the executive survey on cloud computing are still seem very high on a scale from 1-5. Most areas still list security concerns above 4 out of 5 which is high.]   Aiming for the blue sky  - Managing legal and regulatory concerns. From liability to opportunity  - The role of tax in the cloud.

In conclusion, I know that this report offers the views from one company – KPMG. No doubt, there are many other industry viewpoints that can help. (I am open to comments from others and/or examples that can help government technology professionals.) Still, I find this information to be very helpful and worth reading. The global perspective offers different insights than other material that I have reviewed. For the record, KPMG offered no incentive for me writing this blog or highlighting its contents.

Any thoughts on these global infrastructure trends? How is the cloud is transforming your government business areas?