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US unveils 2024 draft federal FHIR action plan to enhance healthcare interoperability

The United States Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT recently introduced the 2024 Draft Federal Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources(FHIR) Action Plan, a pivotal document aimed at enhancing the use of the Health Level Seven International(HL7) interoperability standard across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). That plan is designed to address existing data silos in the healthcare system, thereby facilitating seamless communication and collaboration among patients, providers, payers, public health agencies, and research institutions.

By promoting the consistent application of FHIR, the US assistant secretary envisions a more integrated healthcare ecosystem that can ultimately improve patient outcomes and care coordination. The draft plan focuses on six critical components of core specifications – Network Specifications, Payment and Health Quality, Care Delivery and Engagement, Public Health and Emergency Response, and Research.

Each component is tailored to address specific challenges within the healthcare system. For instance, the Care Delivery and Engagement specifications are designed to enhance patient access to their health data while reducing administrative burdens on providers. This targeted approach aims to foster more effective healthcare delivery and support the overarching goal of a fully interoperable health system.

Emphasising the need for a curated resource, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT details how federal agencies leverage FHIR to address diverse healthcare needs. The ‘curated catalogue’ serves as a roadmap for the future application of FHIR and aims to clarify the standards that federal agencies will adopt.

Furthermore, stakeholders in the health IT community are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft action plan by the 25 November deadline. By inviting year-round public comments, the goal is to ensure the plan remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of healthcare providers and their communities.

Blackstone confirms £10 billion AI centre in UK

Blackstone has announced a significant £10 billion investment to build an AI data centre in Blyth, northeast England. The project will create 4,000 jobs, including 1,200 positions dedicated to the site’s construction. The initiative highlights the growing demand for energy-intensive data centres, a sector that remains resilient for investors like Blackstone, despite challenges in other commercial property markets.

Blyth was previously earmarked as a site for an electric vehicle battery factory, but those plans collapsed after Britishvolt, a UK startup, folded last year. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the new project during his visit to New York, emphasising its potential to drive regional economic growth.

In addition to the data centre, Blackstone will invest £110 million in a local fund aimed at improving skills training and upgrading transport infrastructure in the area. Blackstone’s President, Jon Gray, confirmed the investment, signalling the company’s commitment to supporting the local economy.

This new project represents a shift for commercial landlords, as data centres emerge as a rare growth opportunity in the wake of falling demand for other assets like post-pandemic office spaces.

AI-written police reports spark efficiency debate

Several police departments in the United States have begun using AI to write incident reports, aiming to reduce time spent on paperwork. Oklahoma City’s police department was an early adopter of the AI-powered Draft One software, but paused its use to address concerns raised by the District Attorney’s office. The software analyses bodycam footage and radio transmissions to draft reports, potentially speeding up processes, although it may raise legal concerns.

Paul Mauro, a former NYPD inspector, noted that the technology could significantly reduce the burden on officers, who often spend hours writing various reports. However, he warned that officers must still review AI-generated reports carefully to avoid errors. The risk of inaccuracies or ‘AI hallucinations’ means oversight remains crucial, particularly when reports are used as evidence in court.

Mauro suggested that AI-generated reports could help standardise police documentation and assist in data analysis across multiple cases. This could improve efficiency in investigations by identifying patterns more quickly than manual methods. He also recommended using the technology for minor crimes while legal experts ensure compliance with regulations.

The potential for AI to transform police work has drawn comparisons to the initial resistance to bodycams, which are now widely accepted. While there are challenges, the introduction of AI in police reporting may offer long-term benefits for law enforcement, if implemented thoughtfully and responsibly.

Somalia to boost emergency telecoms with NCA-ITU plan

Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have taken pivotal steps toward enhancing Somalia’s emergency telecommunications landscape. Their recent collaboration aims to implement the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP), a comprehensive strategy to ensure efficient communication during crises.

By convening a four-day engagement meeting that brought together diverse stakeholders, including government officials, mobile network operators, and representatives from international organisations, these organisations foster a cohesive understanding of roles and responsibilities in emergency telecommunications. The inclusive approach is essential for aligning efforts across multiple sectors, creating a unified response framework that can adapt to the evolving challenges faced by Somalia.

Recognising that the success of the NETP hinges on the active participation of telecom operators, the NCA’s Director General, Mr Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, emphasised the crucial role of their infrastructure and technical expertise in establishing a dependable emergency communications system. By harnessing the capabilities of these operators, Somalia can build a resilient network that remains operational during crises, safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.

Furthermore, the NCA and ITU are focused on the long-term sustainability of Somalia’s telecommunications infrastructure, prioritising the establishment of robust disaster management and critical communication networks. That proactive approach aims to enhance the overall safety and preparedness of the Somali population, ensuring that essential services can be accessed when needed most.

ITU and UNDP join forces to harness digital technology for sustainable development

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have forged a powerful alliance to highlight the transformative potential of digital technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By combining their unique strengths, these organisations aim to establish a comprehensive framework that promotes innovation and fosters inclusivity within the digital realm.

Moreover, their partnership is dedicated to addressing critical global challenges by leveraging emerging technologies, ensuring that digital advancements are accessible and beneficial to all sectors of society, particularly marginalised communities. In addition to their commitment to innovation, ITU and UNDP prioritise enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity in developing regions, fully aware that reliable and affordable internet access is fundamental to sustainable development.

They strive to bridge the digital divide through strategic investments and capacity-building initiatives, empowering local communities with the tools and knowledge to effectively utilise digital technologies. Consequently, this collaborative endeavour is essential for driving economic growth, improving educational opportunities, and enhancing health outcomes in underserved areas, ultimately fostering a more equitable digital ecosystem.

Furthermore, beyond infrastructure development, ITU and UNDP advocate for robust digital governance and policy frameworks that ensure the responsible use of technology. Their initiatives focus on promoting transparency and accountability and prioritise safeguarding privacy and security in the digital age. By emphasising digital literacy and skills development, they are rolling out training programs designed to equip individuals with the confidence to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

US grants $123 million to Polar Semiconductor for plant expansion

The US Commerce Department has finalised a $123 million grant for Polar Semiconductor to expand its Minnesota facility, a development anticipated to nearly double the company’s production capacity for power and sensor chips. This grant marks the first award from the Biden administration’s $52.7 billion semiconductor manufacturing and research subsidy program, designed to strengthen domestic chip production. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasised that this funding will help establish a new US-owned foundry, raising Polar’s output from about 20,000 wafers to 40,000 per month, serving key industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defence.

The state of Minnesota is contributing $75 million to Polar Semiconductor’s $525 million expansion project. Polar is primarily owned by Sanken Electric, holding a 70% stake, while Allegro MicroSystems owns the remaining 30%. Recently, the company secured investment commitments totalling $175 million from Niobrara Capital and Prysm Capital. Meanwhile, the US Commerce Department has allocated over $35 billion for various semiconductor initiatives, including substantial grants to major companies like Samsung, Intel, TSMC, and Micron Technology.

White House economic adviser Lael Brainard announced that more funding awards will be finalised shortly, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo confirming additional financial support for companies expected in the coming weeks. This initiative is part of the 2022 chips law, which aims to boost US competitiveness against China and significantly enhance domestic chip production. Additionally, Congress has recently approved legislation designed to streamline federal permitting processes for semiconductor manufacturing projects, facilitating quicker and more efficient development in the industry.

Microsoft unveils tool to fix AI hallucinations amid expert concerns

Microsoft has introduced a new service, called Correction, aimed at addressing a significant flaw in AI models, hallucinations, or factually incorrect responses. The tool identifies and revises erroneous AI-generated content by cross-referencing with accurate data sources, such as transcripts. Correction, available through Microsoft’s Azure AI Content Safety API, works with various models, including OpenAI’s GPT-4.

While Microsoft promotes Correction as a way to boost AI reliability, experts remain skeptical. Researchers warn that hallucinations are deeply ingrained in how AI models operate. Since these systems rely on statistical patterns rather than actual knowledge, completely eliminating false outputs might be impossible. They also caution that this solution could create new issues, like giving users a false sense of trust in AI outputs.

Despite these concerns, Microsoft is pushing to demonstrate the value of its AI tools, having invested billions in the technology. However, concerns about performance and cost are mounting, with some clients already pausing AI deployments due to inaccuracies and high expenses. Experts argue that AI, still in its developmental stages, is being rushed into industries without fully addressing its flaws.

TSMC secures key facility for AI server demand

In mid-August, TSMC sealed a significant deal to acquire the AP8 facility from panel manufacturer Innolux in southern Taiwan, aiming to bolster its advanced packaging capacity. This new fab is set to produce advanced 3D Chip on Wafer on Substrate (CoWoS) IC packaging services, which are crucial for meeting the rising demand from AI server manufacturers. Expected to begin production in the latter half of 2025, the AP8 facility will have nine times the capacity of TSMC’s existing AP6 fab.

The acquisition, finalised for NTD 17.14 billion, came in under market expectations and was motivated by the need to bypass lengthy environmental assessments associated with new builds. TSMC intends to make internal modifications to the facility, enabling faster equipment installation, with deliveries set to begin as early as April next year.

TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei is optimistic about doubling CoWoS capacity in 2024 and 2025, with a goal of achieving a supply-demand balance by 2026. Analysts forecast that TSMC’s monthly CoWoS output could increase from 32,000 wafers this year to approximately 70,000 by the end of 2025, driven by this strategic expansion.

With an anticipated compound annual growth rate of over 50% for CoWoS capacity from 2022 to 2026, TSMC is committed to accelerating its fab construction timelines, aiming to reduce the typical 3-to-5 years down to just 2 years, ensuring it meets the surging market demand efficiently.

UN adopts ‘Pact for the Future’

On 22 September 2024, world leaders convened in New York to adopt the ‘Pact for the Future’ – a comprehensive agreement designed to reimagine global governance in response to contemporary and future challenges.

The ground-breaking Pact includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, aiming to update the international system established by previous generations. The Secretary-General stressed the importance of aligning global governance structures with the realities of today’s world, fostering a more inclusive and representative international system.

The Pact covers many critical areas, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, and gender equality. It marks a renewed multilateral commitment to nuclear disarmament and advocates for strengthened international frameworks to govern outer space and prevent the misuse of new technologies. To bolster sustainable development, the Pact aims to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reform international financial architecture, and enhance measures to tackle climate change by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Digital cooperation is notably addressed through the Global Digital Compact, which outlines commitments to connect all people to the internet, safeguard online spaces, and govern AI. The Compact promotes open-source data and sets the stage for global data governance. It also ensures increased investment in digital public goods and infrastructure, especially in developing countries.

Why does it matter?

The ‘Pact for the Future’ encapsulates a detailed, optimistic vision geared toward creating a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order. The Summit of the Future, which facilitated the adoption of this Pact as an extensively inclusive process, involves millions of voices and contributions from diverse stakeholders. The event was attended by over 4,000 participants, including global leaders and representatives from various sectors, and was preceded by Action Days, which drew more than 7,000 attendees. Such a forum shows firm global commitments to action, including pledges amounting to USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.

Three Mile Island plant set for restart amid new deal

Microsoft has announced a deal with Constellation to help restart a unit of the Three Mile Island facility, which has been dormant since 2019 due to operational issues. This agreement has led to a significant increase in Constellation’s shares, which surged by 22%. It’s worth noting that no US nuclear plant has reopened after being shut down.

Jefferies analysts estimate that Microsoft may pay between $110 and $115 per megawatt-hour (MWh) for its 20-year fixed-price agreement with Constellation Energy, marking a notable premium compared to the market expectation of around $100 per MWh. This pricing reflects the growing recognition of the value of nuclear energy as a clean and reliable power source, particularly amid rising demand from data centres driven by AI technology.

Analysts emphasised that customers are increasingly willing to pay substantial premiums for nuclear energy contracts, which supports the financial viability of such projects and enhances the overall volume of power available in the market at competitive rates. This trend could encourage further investments in nuclear energy and strengthen the role of such facilities in meeting the country’s energy needs.