Latest news with #publicprivatepartnerships
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Do workforce development programs bridge the skills gap? Researchers say yes.
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Workforce development programs — funded through public-private partnerships — appear to bridge the skills gap by helping companies to scale and expanding opportunities for less skilled workers, according to recent research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. After training, organizations had longer employment growth and down-skilling in job posts, as compared to a matched control group, the researchers found. They looked at 18 states with grant subsidies for training. 'The evidence we present suggests these grants resolve a skills gap which previously prevented firms from operating at optimal scale,' the researchers wrote. 'The fact that labor inputs change post grant receipt means that these grants are not purely crowding out private sector funds.' Typically, the researchers wrote, these workforce development programs operate with explicit goals of upskilling the state's workforce, especially in transferable skills that could apply across employers. In practice, the grants are more likely to be used in competitive labor markets, particularly based on the concentration of hiring firms or market tightness. In addition, the grants seem to be disproportionately allocated to larger and higher-paying firms and labor markets, as well as companies seeking to hire more skilled workers, the researchers found. Grants aren't typically used to even out prospects across neighboring markets or target emerging markets, they wrote. After receiving a training grant, companies tended to experience higher employment levels and reduce education and work experience requirements, the researchers found. Grants appeared to help companies shift to a long-term higher growth trajectory, potentially resolving specific skill shortages that blocked growth or training investments, they wrote. Notably, most organizations' training plans targeted professional skills, such as leadership and process management, which opened up recruitment for lower skilled roles post-training. This could mean that firms needed managerial skills to accomplish institutional change, and once achieved, they could focus on productivity growth through low-wage expansion, the researchers wrote. Beyond that, training focused on production-related skills, particularly pivoting employees to work with automation technology. In these cases, training likely helped with worker retention or avoided layoffs, the researchers wrote. Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
NSF Announces Candidates For Tech-Based Economic Development Funding
29 states spanning thirty-three states are semifinalists to win a significant award from the U.S. ... More National Science Foundation to boost economic growth around emerging technology sectors. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced semifinalists for a signature federal funding program to promote economic growth around advanced and emerging technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, quantum science, and advanced manufacturing. Earlier this month, the science agency announced that 29 teams are semifinalists for the Regional Innovation Engines awards–narrowing down candidates from nearly 300 letters of interest in the program of which 71 teams were invited to submit proposals for the national competition. Authorized under the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and spearheaded by NSF's new Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Directorate, also created under the law, the NSF Engines program aim to spur public-private partnerships to advance R&D, technology development, and workforce development with a goal of boosting U.S. regions that have the potential to be globally competitive hubs for emerging technology industries. NSF Engines provide up to $160 million over ten years to support place-based consortiums of a broad coalition of groups. Under the awards, universities and community colleges, businesses, state and local governments, economic development organizations, non-profit R&D institutes, labor unions, and other entities unite to accelerate economic development and spur job creation in regional innovation ecosystems. With a footprint spanning thirty-three states from Alaska to Arkansas, the semifinalists for the second cohort NSF Engine award proposals emphasize projects that aim to grow industry clusters around a number of Trump administration tech priority areas ranging from boosting critical mineral mining to quantum information science to competing in the global race to lead in artificial intelligence. "Each team was selected because it brought strong public and private partners to the table and outlined a promising vision for research, innovation and workforce development in their respective regions of service, thereby advancing U.S competitiveness, national security and economic growth," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF's assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, the agency's tech arm created under the CHIPS Act. The announcement comes as the first cohort of nine NSF Engines report early outcomes over the past two years of work including securing more than $1 billion in matching commitments to the $135 million in public funding the agency awarded to the teams. A key goal of the program is to attract non-governmental investment into technology-driven economic development from industry and philanthropic partners. A breakdown of the semifinalists, their locations, and technology focus areas can be found in the chart belo. 29 semifinalists hope to join the current cohort of 9 NSF Engines. Regions Seek NSF Engines Funding as NSF's Budget Hangs in the Balance On July 10, 2025, Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican chairing the Senate Appropriations ... More subcommittee which presides over the NSF budget, signaled only a modest cut to the NSF. The announcement is welcome news among science and tech leaders who have worried that the signature program could be subject to funding cuts sought by the Trump administration. Although the CHIPS Act provided some of the initial funding, the program has not received the full appropriations to match the authorizations Congress set out in the bill. In congressional budget processes, authorizations establish or modify government programs while appropriations provide the actual funding for those programs. Different congressional committees preside over appropriations and authorizations in the house and senate. Without increased appropriations for the Engines and the technology directorate at NSF, NSF Engines partners, current and future, may be at risk. Since the Trump administration returned to power in January, the NSF has been subjugated to an intense round of layoffs, grant cancellations, and scrutiny from ex-Trump advisor Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. The turmoil led to the early resignation of Trump-appointed NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan in April. In May, the Trump administration proposed gutting the NSF with a 56% budget cut which led to outcry from a broad bipartisan coalition of economists, national security experts, universities, community colleges, science groups, and industry leaders who say that such cuts would undermine global competitiveness and domestic economic development by shortchanging STEM workforce training and research. A recent report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation detailed some of the early outcomes of the NSF's technology directorate presiding over NSF Engines and urged Congress to appropriate all of the $20 billion it was authorized under the CHIPS Act. To date, Congress has only provided a 2% appropriations of that amount. NSF Engines Teams on Program's Economic Impact As Congress weighs the future of the NSF, NSF Engines semifinalists are hopeful that funding will be ... More available for the agency to make the awards. Congress is still weighing the final budget for the NSF, but house and senate appropriators are poised to maintain or cut the agency's budget. NSF Engines semifinalists are holding out that the many hours of coalition building and proposal development pay dividends. While many of the first NSF Engines cohort members were anchored in metro regions such as Tempe, Arizona and Orlando, Florida, the second cohort of applicants comprise many rural and rural-serving proposals which seek NSF Engines funding to help their regions benefit from the innovation economy. Arjun Sanga, president of WiSys, a non-profit economic development organization based in Madison, Wisconsin, is a lead of one of the proposals selected as an NSF Engines semifinalists. Their NSF Engine proposal, Forward Agriculture, would position Wisconsin as a national leader in the circular bioeconomy with a focus on strengthening the state's agricultural industry. 'We are the Dairy State, and agriculture is central to Wisconsin's economy. We must innovate and find new areas to support the farming industry, to make sure the people who feed us can stay in business as there continues to be incredible pressure on farmers across the country," Sanga shared in an email statement. According to Sanga, what's unique about the Engines program is its focus on long-term investments and its focus on public and private partnerships. He hopes his coalition could utilize technology to revitalize the local economy. 'Agriculture is important to Wisconsin and accounts for 12% of the labor force but we are seeing 25% fewer small farms which impacts rural economies and jobs,' he told me. 'That's not a statistic that unique to Wisconsin. Our initial estimates tell us that winning an Engine could have $60 million in impact in the first two years that will generate new jobs.' Peter Dorhout, Vice President for Research at Iowa State University, holds a similar hope for his NSF Engine proposal, Rural STAMINA, is also focused on growing the bioeconomy in rural Iowa and Nebraska. He emphasized the connectivity of its proposal on both regional tech-based economic growth and contributing to national security priorities. 'The President's recent National Farm Security Action Plan states that, the production of key agricultural inputs and materials' is of vital importance, and reliance on other countries for inputs to give American consumers access to food and other valuable agricultural products is a national security concern,' Dorhout emphasized. The Rural STAMINA Engine proposal aims to create an interconnected regional network of advanced biomanufacturing facilities and promote workforce training to address those concerns. As congressional budget debates rages on, the Engines competition continue on for the foreseeable future. During the next stage, NSF will conduct additional assessments of the semifinalist teams to gain a better understanding of their regional coalitions, the alignment of their proposed leadership teams and partners, and their vision for tethering technology and talent development through the award. While the total number of awards is contingent on final funding appropriations from Congress, the NSF anticipates announcing the final winners of NSF Engines awards in early 2026.
Reuters
17-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Japan, EU to explore joint rare earths procurement, Nikkei reports
July 17 (Reuters) - Japan and the European Union will consider joint public-private partnerships as they look to reduce their reliance on China in areas such as the procurement of rare earths, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday. As China, the dominant supplier of rare earths, tightens export controls, global manufacturers are concerned that Beijing's decision to curb exports of rare-earth alloys, mixtures and magnets could slow production and disrupt supply chains. Japan and the EU will launch a new "economic two-plus-two" dialogue to bring together their foreign and economy ministers, expected to be announced at the Japan-EU leaders' summit scheduled for July 23, according to the report. The framework will seek to further deepen Japan-EU relations, it said, adding that the parties agreed to the new dialogue at the working level and will use the initiative to jointly develop supply chains for critical minerals such as rare earths.
Entrepreneur
12-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
The Rise of Social Housing: A Global Shift Toward Inclusive Urban Living
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a world where skyrocketing property prices have outpaced wages and urban centers are increasingly unaffordable for everyday citizens, the importance of social housing has surged back into focus. Once seen as a solution for society's most vulnerable, social housing is now being redefined as a fundamental pillar of sustainable and equitable city development. From Europe to the Middle East, Asia to the Americas, governments and developers are reexamining what it means to provide dignified, affordable housing—and in many cases, they're getting creative. Understanding Social Housing: More Than Just Shelter Social housing refers to homes that are subsidized, price- controlled, or publicly owned to ensure affordability for low- and middle-income groups. It's often developed or managed by local governments, non-profit organizations, or public-private partnerships and can take many forms—from tower blocks to scattered-site housing. Importantly, social housing is not just about roofs and walls. It's about building communities, providing stability, and reducing inequality. Research consistently shows that secure housing plays a critical role in improving education outcomes, employment opportunities, and even public health. And in 2025, with housing affordability reaching crisis levels in many global cities, social housing has reemerged as an essential part of the solution. The Affordability Crisis That Changed Everything The shift didn't happen overnight. Over the past two decades, cities around the world have experienced steep increases in property prices. In global capitals like London, New York, Dubai, and Hong Kong, even middle-income earners are being priced out of the housing market. According to a 2024 report by the World Bank, more than 1.6 billion people globally lack access to adequate housing. At least 330 million urban households either live in substandard conditions or are financially overburdened by rent. For city planners, this reality is impossible to ignore. The affordability crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing inflationary pressures, has forced governments to reconsider market-driven housing models. The result? A surge in social housing investment and innovation. Europe Leads the Way in Modern Models Europe has long been a leader in public and social housing, with countries like Austria, the Netherlands, and Denmark providing a blueprint for success. In Vienna, for example, nearly 60% of the population lives in publicly owned or subsidized housing. Far from being stigmatized, this model is admired for its quality design, mixed-income integration, and long-term affordability. Developments like Seestadt Aspern—a 240-hectare smart city project—combine social housing, retail, education, and recreation, demonstrating how subsidized living can be at the forefront of urban design. In France, the government has introduced a policy requiring cities to maintain at least 25% social housing stock, backed by strict enforcement and financial penalties for noncompliance. Paris's suburbs are undergoing extensive regeneration with mixed-use developments that feature affordable rental units alongside market-rate apartments and cultural amenities. The Middle East's Evolving Approach In the GCC region, social and affordable housing is taking on a more strategic role. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have launched large-scale national housing programs to cater to their growing populations and support homeownership among nationals. In the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme and Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment are building thousands of subsidized homes for Emiratis. These programs include zero-interest loans, grants, and land allocations. Notably, they have shifted away from one-size-fits-all villas toward community-based developments that integrate schools, parks, and job opportunities. In Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 has fueled a robust housing agenda, with the Sakani program delivering over 1.2 million housing solutions since its inception. New urban zones like NEOM and The Line also promise to integrate affordable housing as part of their long-term livability goals. A New Model in North America In the United States and Canada, the approach to social housing has long been fragmented, with underinvestment in public housing stock. However, there's a noticeable shift. In cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and New York, rising homelessness and housing insecurity have triggered public outrage and political action. In response: > New York passed a $25 billion housing plan to build 100,000 affordable units by 2030. > California is investing in modular construction and adaptive reuse (converting old hotels and office buildings into social housing). > In Canada, the National Housing Strategy is investing CAD 70 billion over 10 years to fund non-profit housing and rent-to-own schemes. There's also a wave of innovation: community land trusts, cooperative housing, and micro-housing are all being tested to keep costs down and foster resident ownership. Asia's Mega Cities: Scaling Up with Dignity In Asia, the scale of urbanization is unmatched, making social housing not just a priority but a necessity. Singapore remains a global benchmark, with over 80% of its population living in HDB flats—public housing that is well-maintained, mixed-income, and integrated with transit and amenities. Ownership is encouraged through leasehold schemes, and flats are built with design quality and social cohesion in mind. In China, a recent pivot from luxury development to "people-first" housing policies has led to a target of 6.5 million affordable rental homes between 2022 and 2025. Meanwhile, India's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aims to provide "housing for all," targeting the construction of 20 million urban homes by 2025. Private Sector Involvement: A Win-Win? A newer trend gaining ground is the involvement of private developers in social housing delivery. Through public-private partnerships (PPPs), governments provide land, tax incentives, or financing in exchange for developers including a percentage of affordable units in their projects. This model is especially prevalent in cities like London, Dubai, and Melbourne, where land scarcity and high construction costs make government-only solutions unsustainable. Developers are increasingly aware that long- term profitability can coexist with affordability— especially in mixed-income, mixed-use developments. Additionally, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards are pushing real estate firms to contribute to social impact goals, with affordable housing projects often seen as flagship initiatives. Technology and Sustainability: The Next Frontier Technology is also playing a key role. Modular construction, 3D printing, and prefabricated building systems have dramatically reduced construction costs and timelines for affordable housing. Startups and architecture firms are creating smart, compact housing that is both dignified and efficient. Sustainability is front and center—solar power, green roofs, and low-carbon materials are being integrated into social housing across cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Dubai South. In Africa, the combination of tech and microfinance is enabling low-income families to build homes incrementally, using digital platforms and mobile money. Conclusion: Housing As a Human Right The rise of social housing in 2025 is a reflection of a changing world—one that recognizes that urban success is not measured by skyscrapers alone, but by how inclusive, livable, and equitable cities are. From mega-developments to micro-housing, from government-led schemes to private partnerships, the global housing ecosystem is adapting. While challenges remain—particularly around funding, land use, and community integration—the momentum is undeniable. As cities face climate change, migration, and economic inequality, social housing has reemerged not as a charity, but as a necessity—a cornerstone of resilient, modern urban life. In this new era, housing isn't just about supply— it's about values. And in a world where too many people still sleep without shelter, social housing offers more than real estate. It offers dignity, opportunity, and a place to call home.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market worth $11.61 billion by 2030
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market is anticipated to grow from estimated USD 2.98 billion in 2025 to USD 11.61 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 31.2% during the forecast period. The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) market is being shaped by rising global interest in clean, efficient, and decentralized energy solutions, driven by the dual pressures of carbon neutrality commitments and energy security concerns. Unlike conventional power systems, SOFCs offer high electrical efficiency, fuel flexibility, and low emissions, making them well-suited for a variety of applications—from residential and commercial power to industrial backup systems and emerging hydrogen infrastructures. As governments and private sector players accelerate the energy transition, supportive policies, research funding, and net-zero strategies are boosting investments in fuel cell technology. Countries in Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe are in charge of pilot projects, commercialization programs, and public–private partnerships focused on deploying SOFC systems at scale. Browse in-depth TOC on "Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market" 259 - Tables 60 - Figures 242 – Pages Download PDF Brochure: By type, the planar segment is likely to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Development of planar SOFCs is driven by their structural advantages and applicability in various stationary and distributed power applications. A planar SOFC is constructed from a flat stack of electrolytes and electrodes, allowing for good heat and mass transfer and increased power density and efficiency rates. Planar SOFCs are easily developed into compact and modular formats, making them viable options for commercial buildings, industrial sites, and combined heat and power (CHP) applications. Residential applications are somewhere in between low-cost, scalable deployments that are common in large-scale utility configurations. Another key growth driver for the planar segment is other recent advancements in ceramic materials, the overall stack design, and sealing materials, allowing for opposite travel, increased durability, and thermal cycling. As also mentioned, the manufacturers of planar SOFCs are focused on designing more cost-effective planar designs while having fuel flexibility with hydrogen and natural gas. The tubular segment in the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) market is gaining traction due to its robust mechanical strength, high thermal stability, and ease of sealing compared to planar configurations. Tubular SOFCs offer excellent resistance to thermal cycling and are less prone to gas leakage, making them suitable for continuous, high-temperature operations. Although they typically have lower power densities than planar designs, their reliability and durability make them ideal for long-term industrial and off-grid applications. By end user, the data center segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is largely due to the ongoing demand for reliable, efficient, and cleaner power sources to accommodate the growing digital infrastructure. With companies building more data centers to handle increasing internet traffic, cloud computing, and all workloads related to artificial intelligence, a clear push is evident to decrease emissions and increase energy security. SOFCs are a reliable supply of power with lower emissions, which is especially important for data centers that operate 24/7, as any failure from the system means a potential catastrophe. SOFCs use natural gas, biogas, or hydrogen with flexibility while helping organizations reach their sustainability targets. Furthermore, their comparatively small footprint and lower noise profile might make them suitable for urban areas or developing projects in remote locations. As more companies implement green and resilient energy strategies, the SOFC option is becoming an increasingly viable choice for data centers and other operators needing to minimize risk while positioning themselves for the energy future. This is expected to drive spirited growth in the segment over time. By region, Asia Pacific is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Countries such as Japan and South Korea are leading the way for SOFC deployment, particularly in residential and commercial combined heat and power (CHP) systems. In Japan, the ENE-FARM program and a supportive national framework for fuel cell uptake in homes have led to widespread SOFC uptake. Additionally, there is a strong supply chain of key players in Asia Pacific that enables the scale-up of manufacturing and deployment of SOFC technology. Hydrogen has strong support as a future fuel source in Asia Pacific, making SOFCs even more appealing as they can run efficiently on hydrogen, natural gas, and biogas. Utility prices are rising, grid stability is becoming an issue, and carbon reduction commitments are being addressed with some investment into SOFCs in residential energy, commercial backup power, and industrial use. Because of the existing policies in place, local capabilities that have been developed, and growing demand for cleaner energy technologies, the Asia Pacific region is leading SOFC development and is likely to continue doing so for the next few years. Key Market Players The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market is dominated by major players with a wide regional presence. Some key players in the market are Bloom Energy (US), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Japan), AISIN Corporation (Japan), and Kyocera Corporation (Japan). Request Sample Pages: Bloom Energy (US) Bloom Energy (US) is a leading manufacturer and developer of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) marketed under the brand Bloom Energy Servers. These systems generate electricity through electrochemical processes, delivering clean and reliable power to sectors such as technology, logistics, manufacturing, and real estate. The company operates through four key business segments: Product, Installation, Service, and Electricity, with its SOFC systems offered under the Product segment. Bloom Energy Servers are modular units designed for continuous on-site electricity generation. The company's technology is fuel-flexible, capable of utilizing natural gas, biogas, or hydrogen as input fuels. Bloom Energy employs both direct and indirect sales channels and works in collaboration with multiple partners to identify customer leads and support project development. The company maintains a strong operational presence across North America and the Asia Pacific regions. It partners with stakeholders throughout the energy value chain to drive global growth and expand the adoption of fuel cell solutions. Notable clients include AT&T (US), Caltech (US), Delmarva Power & Light Company (US), Equinix (US), and Kaiser Permanente (US). Bloom Energy launched the Hydrogen Energy Servers in recent years, which can deliver hydrogen-powered electricity on-site. These servers use solid oxide stacks. The commercial shipments of these electrolyzers began in 2022. They were tested for five months in Ulsan (South Korea) in collaboration with SK Ecoplant (South Korea). AISIN Corporation (Japan) AISIN Corporation (Japan) is a prominent player in the solid fuel cell market, particularly in the manufacturing and sale of fuel cell cogeneration systems. As a leading global supplier of automotive components and systems, AISIN offers a diverse portfolio that includes transmissions, brakes, drivetrain and chassis components, engine-related parts, and advanced electronic systems. The company operates through five key business segments: Powertrain, Chassis & Vehicle Safety System, Body, Energy Solutions and Others, and CSS and Others. Its Energy Solutions and Others segment is responsible for supplying energy and power solutions, including fuel cell cogeneration systems for residential use (ENE•FARM), gas engine cogeneration systems (COREMO), and gas heat pump air-conditioners (GHP) for industrial applications. AISIN maintains a robust global footprint with over 200 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 150 production facilities worldwide. Its manufacturing and testing operations span across North America, South America, Asia Pacific, and Europe, with a geographical presence covering Asia, the Middle East & Africa, Europe, and the Americas. AISIN Corporation focuses on residential fuel cell deployment, strategic diversification across energy solutions, and global manufacturing expansion to strengthen its position in the SOFC market. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Fuel Cell Generator Market Fuel Cell Market Green Hydrogen Market Get access to the latest updates on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Companies and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Industry About MarketsandMarkets™: MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. 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Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact:Mr. Rohan SalgarkarMarketsandMarkets™ INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@ Our Website: Logo: View original content: SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
