Manufacturers have invested heavily in digital transformation, but many still struggle with inconsistent lead times and reactive decision-making, writes Cheryl Pammer, the senior head of marketing analytics and research at Minitab, LLC. The next phase of digital transformation involves using analytics, AI and process intelligence to turn data into proactive decisions. AI accelerates the discovery of meaningful patterns, while process intelligence connects data across operations, providing a complete view of workflows, Pammer writes.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has emphasized the importance of open-weight models, noting their potential to enhance American competitiveness. However, this stance is primarily driven by profit motives, as these models are cost-effective and customizable, writes ComputerWorld's Preston Gralla. The Trump administration, along with OpenAI and Anthropic, views Chinese AI as a security threat and is pushing for restrictions, but Gralla writes that support is growing for the use of Chinese AI among US companies.

To address the vulnerabilities with procuring frontier AI systems, a Rand report outlines a procurement framework tailored for state buyers. Key components include negotiating obligations such as model access and evaluation, robust information sharing, funding for reliability research, strong risk management protocols, and clear termination provisions. The framework also advocates supporting domestic or allied AI infrastructure and talent development. While recognizing the limitations imposed by market dynamics and national security laws, the report recommends that governments, especially smaller middle powers, consider pooling demand and coordinating procurement requirements to strengthen negotiating positions.

Between December 2025 and August 2026, a threat actor orchestrated a large-scale automated campaign to systematically download, decompile and analyze 1.8 million Android APKs for hardcoded credentials and secrets. This approach industrialized the process of credential discovery, leveraging cloud infrastructure, automated security tools like TruffleHog, and AI to inspect applications at scale. The campaign shows how easy attackers can exploit public software artifacts to find secrets embedded in plain sight.

A Talker Research survey of 2,000 Americans shows that 57% view AI certifications as "career currency," and this sentiment is particularly strong among millennials and Generation Z, with 65% and 64%, respectively, seeing AI's influence as career-changing. The survey also emphasizes a generational divide in perceived valuable skills, with younger generations prioritizing leadership and creativity, while others emphasize problem-solving and adaptability. CSU Global Interim President and CEO Audra Spicer notes that the main barriers to AI adoption are employee confidence, organizational culture and training.

A Greenhouse survey shows that about two-thirds of job seekers in the US have participated in AI-driven interviews, and an April survey by Greenhouse shows that 38% of respondents have withdrawn from a hiring process because of an AI interview. Critics say AI interviews feel impersonal and raise concerns about bias against age, race and disabilities, while companies praise them for efficiency.

AI is prompting US workers to reconsider career prospects, with 61% of respondents to a Campbellsville University survey saying AI has changed their workplace. About 24% of respondents are concerned about AI's impact on their jobs, and 14% are rethinking their careers. Gen Z workers are more concerned, with 30% feeling less secure and 17% reconsidering their careers. About 58% of respondents are taking steps to future-proof their careers, mainly by learning to use AI tools. However, only 12% of respondents say employers are training them well on AI-related skills.