Industrial disruption and the new energy reality - where AI makes a difference

Everyone is talking about AI, but in 2026 we need to talk about it in the context of energy, conflict and industrial volatility.

Over the past few years the global system has seen many shocks. The increase in global conflicts has had a direct impact on trade routes, energy infrastructure, and of course, shipping lanes. Each of these shocks ripples through the supply chain, increasing prices for energy and goods to companies and consumers alike.

For industrial businesses, this directly affects cost structures, production schedules, supply chains and long-term investment decisions. This is the context in which AI is being deployed.

Industrial disruption is no longer an isolated incident

Volatility has become a permanent feature of global logistics. Geopolitical tension, shifting trade routes, extreme weather, capacity swings, none of it feels exceptional anymore. Most executive teams plan on disruption as an 'unexpected' event. Something to manage through and then return ...