VOL-11 | ISSUE -01 | 2024
The Silicon Leaders Excellence in The Spotlight
The Blueprint for Smart Ci es Integra ng Technology and Urban Planning Smart Energy Solu ons How Ci es are Innova ng for a Greener Future
Chris Hayward Policy Chairman City of London Corporation
The 10 Influential Leaders Shaping the Future of Smart Cities, 2024
Chris Hayward Shaping the Future of the UK's Financial Sector Through Innovation
"The cities of the future must be sustainable, inclusive, and resilient, integrating technology in ways that improve lives for everyone."
Editor’s Desk
Visionaries Shaping the Future of Smart Cities
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s the world moves toward greater urbanization, the vision for smart cities is becoming a driving force in shaping sustainable and efficient urban living. The leaders featured in this edition are dedicated to making these innovative cities a reality. They are committed to creating environments that prioritize technology, sustainability, and connectivity, ensuring a future where cities are not just places to live, but thriving ecosystems designed to improve the quality of life for all citizens. These professionals are advancing the development of intelligent infrastructures, from energy-efficient solutions to integrated communication systems. Their approach to urban planning is reshaping the way cities function, creating seamless connections between resources, services, and residents. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, they are streamlining operations and enhancing the delivery of essential services.
The future of smart cities holds promise for growth and inclusivity. These leaders have proven that technology when thoughtfully applied, can transform urban spaces into hubs of opportunity, safety, and sustainability. They are actively driving change through collaboration with local and global stakeholders, ensuring their visions are aligned with the needs of tomorrow's citizens. In this edition, The 10 Influential Leaders Shaping the Future of Smart Cities, 2024, we highlight the achievements and ongoing contributions of these exceptional individuals, who are redefining the concept of a city that works for everyone. Their relentless pursuit of innovation, combined with their dedication to improving urban environments, will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of leaders. Have a great read ahead!
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Contents Prof iles
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Bill Serratore
Driving Urban Innovation through Sustainability
Nayan Parekh
Enhancing Urban Living through Smart Solutions
Art icles
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The Blueprint for Smart Cities Integrating Technology and Urban Planning
Smart Energy Solutions How Cities are Innovating for a Greener Future
Cover story
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Chris Hayward Shaping the Future of the UK's Financial Sector Through Innovation
CREDITS Editor-in-Chief
Merry D'Souza
Executive Editor Assistant Editor
Jamie Carlson Michael Wayne David King
Deputy Editor
Visualizer
Excellence in The Spotlight
The Silicon Leaders
Art & Design Director Associate Designer Senior Sales Manager Marketing Manager Technical Head
SME-SMO Executive
Business Development Manager
Sales Executives
Business Development Executives
James Taylor
Reva Adams Dave Stonis James Saw John Matthew
Patrick Beretta Sandy Madison Dave Morgan
David, Joe
Steve, Simon
Digital Marketing Manager
Dominique T.
Research Analyst
Frank Adams
Circulation Manager Database Management Technology Consultant
Robert Brown Stella Andrew David Stokes
[email protected] November, 2024
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Featured Person
Company Name
Brief
Bill Serratore Director of Sustainability
City of Yonkers yonkersny.gov
Bill collaborates with public and private stakeholders to advance the city's sustainability goals while fostering economic growth and social equity.
Chris Hayward Director
JBP jbp.co.uk
Chris's expertise, combined with a deep understanding of contemporary challenges and opportunities, ensures that JBP remains at the forefront of industry innovation and influence.
Chris Wan Associate Director of Sustainability and CSR
Masdar City masdarcity.ae
Chris has expertise in integrating innovative solutions with corporate strategy, ensuring Masdar City remains at the forefront of sustainability and climate action.
Jeroen Borst Proposition Manager Liveable and Resilient Cities
TNO tno.nl/en/
Jeroen plays a pivotal role in creating forward-thinking initiatives that address pressing challenges in urban planning, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.
Leonidas Anthopoulos Professor
University of Thessaly uth.gr/en
Leonidas commits to fostering education and innovation, and continues to inspire the next generation of leaders in urban planning and digital transformation.
Linda Poissant Right of Way Utility Supervisor
City of Charlotte charlottenc.gov
Linda fosters seamless collaboration between city departments, contractors, and utility providers, ensuring projects adhere to regulatory standards and timelines while minimizing disruptions to the community.
Milo McBride Analyst
Eurasia Group eurasiagroup.net
Milo is committed to helping clients, anticipate risks and uncover opportunities in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Nayan Parekh Principal
Gensler gensler.com
Nayan has expertise in architectural design, project management, and client relations, driving impactful solutions that align with evolving market demands.
Steve Lowe Senior Sales Director
Ericsson ericsson.com/en
Steve has proven track record in sales leadership, strategic partnerships, and market expansion which played a pivotal role in driving Ericsson's growth and success across various regions.
TJ Cawley Mayor
Town of Morrisville morrisvillenc.gov
Mayor Cawley has dedicated his career to enhancing the quality of life for residents while fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.
...COVER STORY
Chris Hayward Shaping the Future of the UK's Financial Sector Through Innovation
Advancing the UK's Economy!
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His approach to leadership is marked by a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.”
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inancial and professional services play a crucial role in supporting the UK economy, contributing to millions of jobs and substantial tax revenue. This sector is integral to the UK's global standing, offering significant economic benefits while driving innovation and sustainable practices. With a focus on enhancing economic growth, the industry continues to evolve, addressing challenges such as climate change and digital transformation. The industry's commitment to sustainable finance and technological advancement positions it as a key player in shaping the future of global finance. The challenges and opportunities within this sector demand robust leadership and strategic vision to ensure sustained growth and adaptation to an evolving global environment.
Chris Hayward Policy Chairman City of London Corporation
...COVER STORY Chris Hayward, the Policy Chairman, brings a distinct expertise and deep commitment to ensuring the sector's ongoing success. With a dedication to cultivating growth and ensuring that the UK’s financial services remain robust, Chris is actively shaping the future of this critical industry. His approach to leadership is marked by a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Chris's focus on collaboration and strategic partnerships is driving meaningful progress in areas such as sustainable finance, digital transformation, and investment in high-growth sectors, which reflects his understanding of the industry's needs and his ability to drive meaningful change. The City of London Corporation, under Chris's guidance, plays a significant role in financial and professional services. The Corporation is committed to promoting UK growth, supporting businesses, and driving economic initiatives that benefit the broader economy. Through various programs and partnerships, the City of London Corporation works to enhance the UK's position as a leading global financial hub, nurturing innovation and sustainable practices across the industry. The Corporation's efforts are aimed at ensuring long-term economic stability and growth, making it a pillar of the UK's finance system. Let’s explore Chris’s strategic leadership journey in the financial services: Promoting UK Growth and Competitiveness According to Chris, the financial and professional services sector supports 2.4 million jobs across the UK. The City of London Corporation plays a
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At the City of London Corporation, the ambition is to be a world-leading organization, a goal that Chris carries everywhere he works and in all his experience.”
key role in growing the sector. Over the next decade, it will continue to promote UK growth and competitiveness. This will be achieved by forging even closer ties with businesses and regulators. The Lord Mayor and Chris will continue to meet financial dignitaries across the world as ambassadors for the UK’s financial and professional services sector. The work already delivered is also expected to benefit the UK economy over the next decade. For example, the Mansion House Compact initiative is focused on improving pension returns for UK savers as well as providing the necessary capital to help UK businesses flourish. The Mansion House Compact requires its signatories, some of the UK’s largest pension providers, to commit 5% of their assets to unlisted equities by 2030 to unlock investment into high-growth companies. Taking this step alongside ongoing pension reforms aims to add an additional £75bn to the UK economy by 2030.
Key Objectives for Britain’s Economic Future Working closely with over 300 partners from industry, policymakers, and regulators, the City of London Corporation has devised a package of reforms and initiatives to boost economic growth across the UK. This has been called the Vision for Economic Growth, and it is expected that this roadmap will add £225bn to the UK economy over the next decade. The Vision for Economic Growth outlines five key objectives that would deliver growth across Britain. These measures include supporting conditions for growth, raising investment levels, becoming a digitalfirst economy, becoming a leader in sustainable finance, and developing a world-class UK knowledge and support hub to showcase the offer globally. The City of London Corporation also stands ready to work with the new Labour Government in delivering on the important issues that matter, from boosting economic growth, creating more highly skilled jobs, and funding for public services, to tackling the climate crisis. The City of London Corporation voices its views on key challenges facing the city, including tax, regulation, skills, and access to talent, and devises initiatives, reports, and leverages its extensive networks to advocate on the issues that arise from the challenges on behalf of the city. Strengthening International Relationships As ambassadors for the UK’s financial and professional services, the Lord Mayor and Chris frequently meet business leaders, policymakers, and
financial dignitaries from across the world to advocate Britain as a place to do business. They discuss how to make the UK’s relationship with outside countries stronger and how to better shape the future of financial services policy. The UK’s attractiveness speaks for itself: the London Stock Exchange recently regained its crown as the most valuable in Europe, and the most recent foreign direct investment report showed the UK gained the most financial and professional services investment across hubs globally. Meanwhile, London is situated at the crossroads of Europe’s biggest financial and tech sectors, making it one of the globe’s foremost hubs for innovation. London has one of the world’s most exciting fintech sectors, while it was also recently ranked top for the quality of its green finance offer. This naturally makes the city appealing to highly skilled workers and top talent. Ambition for World-Leading Excellence At the City of London Corporation, the ambition is to be a world-leading organisation, a goal that Chris carries everywhere he works and in all his experience. Before joining the City of London Corporation, he spent over 30 years traveling the globe building his property management firm, growing a B2B facilitation business, and helping to expand London’s second largest airport, Gatwick, which now sees more than 30 million passengers per year. Chris knows what it is like to be at the helm of small and large organizations, and it is why he has made it his mission to support firms of all sizes, from large multinationals to SMEs within the Square Mile.
This summer, he launched the City of London Corporation’s first Small and Medium Enterprise Strategy to encourage companies to start and grow their business in the Square Mile. The city is already home to 21,000 SMEs, with the tech sector growing by 130 firms in the last year (5%). The SME Strategy outlines several key initiatives. It aims to enhance the visibility and accessibility of support for small businesses, unlock the city’s unparalleled networks, and develop a new support offer aimed at earlygrowth companies and underrepresented groups. The commitment to small businesses is unwavering, and this strategy will ensure they have the support needed to thrive. Enhancing Local Economy through Culture Chris believes culture and heritage are of huge importance to the City of London Corporation. The Square Mile is rich in history, and building in the
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The City of London Corporation, under Chris's guidance, plays a significant role in financial and professional services.”
city has always been about preserving historic buildings, a renowned one being St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as ensuring the city remains a leading financial district globally, as demonstrated by the newest and tallest city skyscraper, 22 Bishopsgate. The City of London Corporation recently granted planning permission for a new cultural attraction at the former wartime shelter in Holborn. The new ‘Heritage Experience’ will provide exhibition spaces, space for cultural events, and an underground bar. The plans will also benefit wider society, with free visits to the experience for London schools, local jobs, and apprenticeship opportunities. This scheme itself is expected to generate £60m to £85m of extra footfall spending in the local area. Continuing Success in Arts and Learning As the primary sponsor of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the City of London Corporation supports arts education and aims for specific outcomes. The City of London Corporation is a huge champion of the arts and is home to The Barbican Centre, a world-class art and learning organization showcasing all major art forms, including dance, film, music, theatre, and visual arts. The Barbican Centre is used for learning and will continue to be the home to both new and starting-out renowned performers, with hopes to see its success continue to grow. Revitalising Underused Spaces for Global Appeal Chris highlights The Barbican Centre will undergo a huge renewal as part of a multi-million-pound investment the City of London Corporation has made into the space to ensure it remains a
...COVER STORY global destination. The overhaul will include upgrading the building’s performance venues, bringing underused spaces back to life, and improving the digital technology in the buildings. Identifying Opportunities and Addressing Barriers The City of London Corporation is always in close contact with the Government, offering expertise and recommendations ahead of the budget, for instance. It is also regularly in touch with regulators and businesses to identify opportunities and address barriers to unlock growth.
with firms such as Deutsche Bank and Clifford Chance located on the Square Mile. Chris also has a wider role as Policy Chairman to support the country and the Government with the challenges of today, with economic growth being the most crucial. He believes the financial and professional services sector is vital to the UK’s economy, and to have the opportunity to promote the vital work this sector does on behalf of this country is one of his greatest privileges and a huge responsibility.
The City of London Corporation also hosts regular banquets and events in collaboration with the Government, including an Easter Banquet with the foreign secretary and a Financial and Professional Services Dinner with the Chancellor.
The sector alone supports over 2.4 million jobs across the country, and it contributed a record £110.2bn to the public purse in 2023. This is equivalent to 12.3% of total UK tax receipts, more than the UK government’s education budget or more than half the health budget.
Passion for Leadership and Positive Change
Encouraging Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
Chris has had a real passion for politics since his youth, and over the last thirty years, he has always sought out leadership roles that can make a positive difference in society, whether in politics, education, or charity.
Chris highlights the biggest challenge facing the City of London Corporation is climate change. The rapid change in climate and the difficulties that can arise as a result is something everyone needs to remain abreast of. The City of London Corporation has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in its own operations by 2027. It is also committing to be net zero across its investment and supply chain by 2040. Significant progress has been made, with annual carbon emissions cut by 31% and energy consumption reduced by 21% between 2018/2019 and 2021/2022.
He ran to become Policy Chairman because he wanted to make a difference for the people and businesses of the Square Mile. He came into office during the pandemic and knew there was a lot of work to be done to support the city’s recovery. This is why he launched Destination City, an ambitious program to deliver a seven-day-a-week Square Mile that is a global magnet for businesses, residents, visitors, and workers. It is great to see that come to fruition,
In terms of what the financial service sector is doing, a report released alongside the Climate Policy Initiative in June showed that tracked UK
financial institutions have almost tripled their investment into clean energy projects in just one year to $2.3bn in 2023. This report was launched as part of the climate event, the Net Zero Delivery Summit, an annual event that brings together financial and corporate leaders and sustainability experts to discuss further commitments the sector can make to ensure net zero targets are met. The City of London Corporation will continue to host several climate events in the hope of encouraging others to make their own commitments to save the planet and to help others gain support in changing their business strategies to incorporate climatechange mitigation policies.TSL
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“Smart cities are about connecting the unconnected, and transforming data into solutions for sustainable living.”
The Blueprint for Smart Cities
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Integrating Technology and Urban Planning
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rbanization is accelerating worldwide, prompting cities to adapt to rising challenges related to population density, resource management, and environmental sustainability. Integrating technology with urban planning offers a promising way to build smarter, more efficient, and sustainable cities that improve quality of life. This approach bridges the gap between traditional city planning and the needs of an increasingly digital society. Explore how your community can benefit from innovative solutions that combine technology with urban planning! Role of Technology in Shaping Urban Environments Technology has revolutionized the functionality of cities, creating opportunities for better resource allocation and service delivery. By integrating sensors, data analytics, and connected devices, cities can optimize transportation, manage energy consumption, and enhance public safety. Smart systems such as traffic flow monitoring and energy-efficient grids reduce waste and improve efficiency, creating a more seamless urban experience. Additionally, advancements like digital twins—a virtual representation of a physical city—enable planners to
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simulate scenarios, anticipate challenges, and make data-informed decisions. These tools help urban planners understand the potential impacts of their designs, ensuring more thoughtful and efficient development.
planning ensures a cohesive approach that meets the diverse mobility needs of a city’s population.
Sustainability as a Cornerstone of Smart Urban Planning
The integration of technology with urban planning must prioritize the needs and experiences of residents. Smart cities thrive when they adopt inclusive designs that reflect the diversity of their populations. Interactive platforms, such as mobile apps and citizen dashboards, enable community members to voice their opinions and participate in city planning processes.
Sustainability is essential when integrating technology into urban planning. As cities face increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and conserve natural resources, smart initiatives can deliver eco-friendly solutions. Green building technologies, water recycling systems, and renewable energy integration provide a foundation for sustainable development. Technology also aids in promoting cleaner environments. Air quality sensors and waste management systems equipped with smart devices monitor pollution levels and enable better strategies for waste reduction. By addressing these issues, urban areas can enhance livability while reducing their environmental footprint. Enhancing Mobility and Connectivity Transportation plays a central role in urban living, and technology-driven solutions are helping cities streamline mobility. Smart transportation systems use real-time data to manage public transit schedules, reduce congestion, and promote the use of electric vehicles. Autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing platforms, and bike-sharing networks provide residents with more choices for getting around. Additionally, integrating these systems with urban
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Citizen-Centric Design for Inclusive Development
Access to digital services should be equitable, addressing disparities that exist in underserved communities. Public Wi-Fi, digital literacy programs, and affordable technology access ensure that no group is left behind in the transition toward smarter cities.
that projects are well-resourced and capable of delivering long-term value. A Vision for Future Cities The future of urban living lies in creating cities that are adaptable, efficient, and resilient. By integrating technology with urban planning, cities can evolve into hubs that cater to the needs of their residents while remaining mindful of environmental impacts. Smart cities represent not just a technological advancement but also a reimagining of how urban spaces can better serve their inhabitants. Whether it’s through innovative transportation systems, sustainable building practices, or inclusive community engagement, the possibilities are vast. This integration represents a shift toward cities that are more connected and better prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Overcoming Challenges in Smart City Development While the integration of technology and urban planning offers immense potential, it is not without challenges. Privacy concerns, cybersecurity threats, and data governance are critical issues that must be addressed to gain public trust. Robust regulatory frameworks are needed to safeguard sensitive information and ensure the ethical use of technology. Budget constraints also pose a hurdle for cities looking to adopt smart initiatives. Securing funding and forging partnerships with private sector stakeholders can help overcome financial limitations. Effective collaboration across sectors ensures
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“Green cities are not a utopian dream; they are the necessity for a thriving, sustainable future.”
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How Cities are Innovating for a Greener Future
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ities around the globe are adopting smarter energy practices to address the pressing challenges of environmental degradation and energy inefficiency. As urban populations expand, sustainable solutions are critical to ensure resources are conserved, waste is minimized, and clean energy sources are prioritized. By integrating innovative technologies, cities are paving the way for sustainable growth and environmental responsibility. Ready to see how your community can join this green revolution? Explore actionable energy solutions today to make a difference for tomorrow. The Shift Towards Smarter Energy Consumption Urban areas consume a substantial portion of global energy, necessitating a rethink of traditional consumption methods. Cities are focusing on optimizing energy use through intelligent systems that adapt to demand and reduce waste. Smart grids are an essential component of this transformation, allowing real-time monitoring and efficient distribution. These systems minimize outages, ensure fair allocation, and improve energy reliability. This focus on energy efficiency also extends to households and businesses, where smart meters enable users to track their energy usage and adjust to conserve power. Incentivizing these behaviors not only helps the planet but also reduces costs for individuals and communities alike.
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Smart Energy Solutions
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Clean Energy Integration in Urban Development To move toward sustainability, urban centers are integrating clean and renewable energy sources into their infrastructure. Solar panels on rooftops, wind turbines in open spaces, and hydroelectric systems are becoming common features of city planning. These renewable sources reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions. Public transportation systems are also seeing a shift, with electric buses, trams, and even bicycles gaining popularity. Such initiatives are not only reducing air pollution but also improving the overall quality of life for residents. Cities are proving that green energy can coexist with growth by investing in long-term, cleaner alternatives. Energy Storage and Management Effective energy storage is crucial for maximizing renewable energy use. To address this, many cities are employing advanced battery systems that store energy generated during peak production periods for use when demand is high. These systems ensure that renewable energy is available around the clock, reducing the need for backup from conventional sources. Additionally, energy management systems are optimizing consumption patterns across sectors. By analyzing data and predicting trends, these systems distribute energy more effectively, minimizing wastage and ensuring resources are allocated where they are needed most. Smart Building Technologies Buildings account for a significant percentage of urban energy
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consumption, making them a key target for green innovation. Smart building technologies are transforming the way energy is used, with automated lighting, temperature controls, and energy-efficient materials becoming standard practices.
These platforms are not just about automation; they also provide valuable insights to policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions that benefit residents and the environment. Technology is proving to be a powerful ally in the quest for a greener future.
These buildings adapt to occupancy patterns, ensuring energy is only used when necessary. Further, they integrate renewable energy sources into their operations, contributing to overall sustainability goals. By adopting smart building designs, cities can drastically reduce their environmental footprint.
Overcoming Challenges in Implementation
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Energy The success of greener initiatives depends on collaboration between governments, private sectors, and local communities. Policies and incentives are driving investment in clean energy technologies, while educational campaigns are raising awareness about the importance of sustainability. Community engagement is also a vital element. Grassroots movements and local organizations are playing a key role in promoting environmentally friendly practices and encouraging residents to adopt green technologies. Together, these efforts are building a culture of sustainability that prioritizes long-term well-being over short-term gains. The Role of Data and Technology Data and technology are at the heart of energy innovation. Advanced analytics and machine learning are being used to identify inefficiencies, predict energy demands, and streamline distribution systems. Smart city platforms are integrating data from multiple sources—transportation networks, buildings, and energy grids—to create cohesive solutions.
While the benefits of smart energy solutions are evident, challenges remain in their widespread adoption. High initial costs, outdated infrastructure, and resistance to change can slow progress. Addressing these issues requires a combination of strategic planning, investment, and education. Innovative funding models, such as public-private partnerships, are helping overcome financial barriers. Meanwhile, updating policies to support green technologies ensures that cities can adapt more quickly. Bridging the gap between traditional systems and innovative solutions is key to achieving sustainable energy goals. A Green Future for All Cities adopting smart energy solutions are demonstrating that sustainability and growth can go hand in hand. By embracing clean energy, optimizing consumption, and fostering collaboration, urban centers are creating environments that are healthier, more efficient, and better equipped for future challenges. The journey to a greener future requires collective effort, innovation, and commitment. As cities continue to adopt and refine energy solutions, they serve as models for a world that prioritizes sustainability without compromising progress.
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“Renewable energy is not only the future; it's the present. Solar energy stands as a beacon of sustainability for a greener tomorrow.”
“Smart cities are not just about technology; they are about how technology can improve the quality of life for all citizens.”
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The Silicon Leaders Excellence in The Spotlight
