There's no denying that COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work. Productivity software, video conferencing and delivery apps weren't invented during the pandemic, but they've all proven to be indispensable during this global crisis. Now that we've all become experts at virtual consulting with doctors, ordering food, interacting with colleagues, signing documents and conducting our physical lives virtually, I believe that these experiences will be a catalyst for digitalization across all industries in the Kingdom. Lockdowns and social distancing have expedited the use of digital solutions to keep factories running and buildings safe and secure. The crisis has forced everyone, from municipalities to property developers, to realize the technology that was nice to have a few months ago is now crucial. What's most exciting about this renewed focus on digitalization is that the investments made today lay the foundation for other advances, such as digital twins and smart cities. Saudi Arabia is starting a new era, transforming itself into what I like to call the Digital Kingdom. Digitalization is already a core component of Saudi Vision 2030, featuring prominently in the National Industrial Development and Logistics, Human Capital Development and the National Transformation programs. These plans all lead to the same outcome, in which digitalization connects and optimizes industry, government and the economy in ways previously unimaginable. We can harness the power of data to develop industries, build the cities of the future, reduce carbon emissions, and provide technical skills and good jobs for Saudi Arabia's youth. In the Digital Kingdom, people will live, work, learn and play in smart cities. Everyone will benefit from smart infrastructure, digital traffic management, air quality control, water efficiency, electric vehicle charging networks and driverless transit systems. Behind the scenes, millions of connected sensors generate data that is analyzed, giving city planners the ability to decide how to automate and optimize for comfort, safety and efficiency. We are already seeing glimpses of this future in campuses and office complexes, but the potential of city and nationwide adoption are greater than what we can fully predict and will provide environmental benefits that will make our air cleaner and planet healthier. In the Digital Kingdom, factories can run at maximum capacity, be serviced remotely and upgraded quickly to meet changing consumer preferences. The latest technologies such as digital twins and additive manufacturing are not only promising but are already proven and ready to be deployed. Finally, and most importantly, in the Digital Kingdom, young people are the greatest beneficiaries of digitalization investments, in terms of virtual education, digital skills training and job opportunities in the digital economy. Siemens is playing a major role in these areas, through university partnerships, internships and industrial trainings programs, and its commitment to localization and Saudization. Digitalization is presenting great opportunities for our economy, people and country. It's imperative that we invest in the technology and train our talented youth to reap the benefits of the future Digital Kingdom. Despite our current challenges, the best is yet to come. — the writer is CEO, Siemens Saudi Arabia
