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Banks use several factors to determine how to approve someone for a mortgage loan, including credit score and debt-to-income ratio. KeyBank’s 2025 Financial Mobility Survey found that many believe owning a home is not an attainable goal for themselves nor the average American. Survey respondents also said financial education can help them be more confident in the home-buying process.

Here are some tips that can help you improve your credit score.

Get to Know Your Credit Score

While there are many factors that mortgage lenders consider, your credit score is one of the most important. Your credit score is made up of multiple data points from your credit history, including how long you’ve had credit, the timeliness of your payments, the types of credit you’ve had, the percentage of your credit you’re using, and any new credit you’re applying for.

In short, your credit score represents your creditworthiness, or the likelihood that you’ll repay a loan on time. When applying for a mortgage, the higher your credit score, the more likely it is that you’ll get a lower interest rate on your loan. If your credit score isn’t quite there, there are many ways to help improve it:

Make payments on time – Setting up automatic payments for the minimum amount due can help your accounts remain in good standing.

Catch up on overdue payments – If you have any bills that are past due, prioritize those first.

Pay down revolving balances – Once you’re current on all your bills, use any extra cash to keep paying down your balances.

Correct any errors on your credit report – If you find inaccurate personal information on your credit report, visit the credit bureau’s website to see how to file a dispute.

Keep existing credit lines open – Even if your spending doesn’t change, keep the line of credit, like a credit card, open. It can show a decrease in your credit utilization ratio to help improve your score.

Limit new applications for credit – Weigh the impact to your credit score when you’re deciding whether to do anything that will result in a hard pull on your credit, like buying a new car or applying for a new credit card.

It can take up to six months to see noticeable results.

Pay Off Your Debt to Increase Credit Score

Paying off debt could improve the likelihood of being approved for a mortgage loan in two ways: It lowers your debt-to-income ratio, an important factor that lenders consider, and it can help improve your credit score.

If you have a high amount of debt relative to your income, it can make getting approved for a mortgage more challenging. To receive a qualified mortgage, a borrower must typically have a debt-to-income ratio lower than 43%, according to the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.¹

Even if you meet the criteria for a mortgage, it’s still important to think carefully about the amount of debt you’d be taking on. It’s generally recommended that your mortgage payment take up no more than 30% of your total income. There are some exceptions, and KeyBank Mortgage Loan Officers are great resources and can help you navigate the homebuying process. They have information on home lending opportunities and programs to help you get started on the journey to homeownership.

About the KeyBank 2025 Financial Mobility Survey: This survey was conducted online by Schmidt Market Research in September 2024, polling 1,000 Americans, ages 18 – 70, with sole or shared responsibility for household financial decisions, who own a checking or savings account. The survey sought to gain insight into financial resiliency and explored respondents’ spending and savings habits, levels of financial confidence and financial resiliency, economic sentiment, and impacts of societal trends and pressures over the prior year.

This is designed to provide general information only. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and subject to change. ©2025 KeyCorp. All rights reserved. CFMA #250404-3134828

NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Conditions and restrictions may apply. All home lending products, including mortgage, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, are subject to credit and collateral approval. Not all home lending products are available in all states. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance are required on collateral property. Actual rates, fees, and terms are based on those offered as of the date of application and are subject to change without notice.

NMLS #399797. Equal Housing Lender. Mortgage and Home Equity Lending products offered by KeyBank are not FDIC insured or guaranteed. KeyBank extends credit secured by residential real estate without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status.

¹https://themortgagereports.com/21985/high-debt-to-income-ratio-mortgage-approval

Imagine a logistics industry free of inefficiencies, seamlessly adapting to disruptions, and delivering unmatched value to supply chains. This isn’t just a dream — it’s the future DP World is building today. The future of logistics isn’t just about evolution; it’s about revolution. With advancements like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and e-commerce expansion, the industry is redefining how products move around the globe. Companies that act today will lead tomorrow.

For supply chain professionals and logistics managers, this discussion isn’t theoretical — it’s actionable. Addressing major challenges like labor shortages, infrastructure limitations, and supply chain disruptions can no longer be delayed. Here’s how forward-thinking businesses are solving these problems and staying ahead in an industry on the brink of transformation.

Challenges in the Logistics Industry Today

The sector faces several critical hurdles, but overcoming them is vital for long-term success:

Labor Shortages

The logistics industry is facing a serious labor shortage. Glen Clark, CEO of DP World U.S./Mexico, addresses this topic in his most recent article for the Fast Company Executive Board. As the industry grows and evolves, it is becoming increasingly sophisticated, requiring workers with new skills and responsibilities.   

With turnover of logistics employees up by 33% compared with pre-pandemic figures, critical roles can go unfilled creating an urgent need for innovative solutions like automation. Automation offers a viable solution, with companies like Amazon implementing over 750,000 mobile robots in their fulfillment centers. These robots streamline repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on high-impact roles. 

Aging Infrastructure

Outdated roads, railways, and ports disrupt the flow of goods, increase operational costs, and pose risks to customer satisfaction. For example, in the UK, over 50% of surveyed manufacturers blame poor road conditions for delays and higher export costs. While infrastructure repairs require long-term investment, businesses are turning to real-time supply chain visibility solutions to mitigate delays and reroute shipments in the short term.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics have made vulnerabilities in supply chains more apparent than ever. Diversified operations and flexible supply chain models are becoming non-negotiable. The lesson is clear — companies that fail to prepare are preparing to fail.

Security Concerns

The surge in organized cargo theft is a growing threat. Just last year, sophisticated thefts targeting U.S. supply chains cause millions in losses. Enhanced security measures like IoT-enabled tracking and risk management software help companies safeguard valuable shipments.

Integrating Advanced Technology

While IoT, AI, and machine learning hold promise for logistics, implementation remains a challenge due to technical infrastructure gaps and security concerns. Organizations investing in cybersecurity alongside tech adoption are positioning themselves for long-term success.

Trends Shaping the Future of Logistics

Amid these challenges, trends like AI adoption, automation, and e-commerce expansion are paving the way for a smarter, more agile logistics sector.

1. AI for Demand Forecasting

AI-powered demand forecasting is revolutionizing how businesses predict consumer behavior, enabling smarter inventory management and reducing waste.  For example, companies like Autone are developing platforms that assist retailers in aligning inventory with shifting market demands, reducing overstock and waste. AI isn’t just solving problems — it’s preventing them before they occur.

2. Automation for Increased Efficiency

Automation is transforming logistics, from robotic sorters in warehouses to self-driving delivery vehicles, unlocking new levels of efficiency.  From robotic sorters in warehouses to autonomous delivery vehicles, logistics companies are achieving operational efficiency like never before. Take Amazon’s approach — they’ve successfully blended automation and human labor, proving that the two can work in harmony to boost productivity.

3. E-commerce Expansion Driving Warehousing Innovation

E-commerce is reshaping global supply chains, driving demand for localized warehouses and faster delivery solutions. More businesses are setting up localized warehouses to meet rising consumer demand for fast deliveries. For instance, Chinese e-commerce companies now claim 20% of new warehouse leases in the U.S., a dramatic increase from previous years. This trend underscores the need for adaptable logistics solutions.

4. Political and Economic Preparedness

The logistics industry doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Events like U.S. presidential elections or shifts in trade policies can create ripple effects across supply chains. To thrive amidst uncertainty, companies need agile operations capable of responding to regulatory changes and market volatility.

Addressing the Key Industry Challenges

Successfully meeting these demands calls for bold strategies. Here’s how businesses can address key challenges and ensure a resilient logistics model:

Skilled Workforce Development

•  Launch upskilling programs to attract Gen Z talent and retrain your workforce for tech-driven roles, ensuring your team is future-ready.
• Bolster automation to handle repetitive tasks while reserving human expertise for strategic decision-making.

Infrastructure Innovation

• Partner with technology providers offering advanced supply chain visibility tools to reduce reliance on outdated infrastructure.
• Advocate for public-private investments in transport networks, emphasizing the long-term benefits for global trade.

Diversification for Disruption Preparedness

• Establish regional sourcing hubs to reduce reliance on geographically distant suppliers.
• Use predictive analytics to identify potential supply chain risks before they escalate.

Technology Investment

• Prioritize cybersecurity alongside IoT and AI adoption to protect digital supply chains.
• Implement AI-driven decision-making models to increase efficiency while reducing operational risks.

Security Improvements

• Integrate advanced cargo tracking and monitoring systems to prevent theft.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and industry groups to deter organized crime.

A Call to Action for Supply Chain Leaders

The logistics industry stands at the crossroads of unprecedented opportunity and risk. Forward-thinking leaders who are willing to innovate, invest, and adapt will shape the future of supply chain management. Meeting labor, technology, and infrastructure challenges head-on isn’t optional — it’s essential.

At DP World we’re at the forefront of logistics innovation, ensuring businesses like yours thrive amidst change. Our comprehensive solutions in AI, automation, and supply chain resilience are designed to transform challenges into opportunities.

Authored by Georgina Harris

Baker Tilly recently hosted a webinar, Foundational concepts for long-term success with ERM governance, as part of a four-part enterprise risk management (ERM) webinar series. The third installment focused on advancing governance by integrating various frameworks to sustain effective risk management practices. Here are some key takeaways that not-for-profits should consider from this session:

The importance of enterprise risk management (ERM)

Governance provides the type of consistent oversight, accountability and checks and balances that can ensure not-for-profit organizations both reach their goals and remain sustainable for the long-term. In these organizations, this crucial role to ensure effective governance and risk management is most often filled by the board of directors.

Enterprise risk management is a systematic process designed to identify risks that could impact your organization and determine how to proactively manage and mitigate those risks effectively. It considers both the upside and downside risks associated with an organization’s activities. Upside risks represent potential positive deviations from objectives, while downside risks are potential negative deviations. Effective ERM aims to both seize opportunities associated with upside risks and mitigate or avoid losses associated with downside risks.

To build an effective ERM governance structure, organizations should focus on advancing governance by considering how to advance and strengthen risk management practices. This involves managing disruptions, empowering decision-making and optimizing performance.

It is crucial to have a dedicated position, function, or department responsible for risk management activities. The individual should be well-versed at navigating the board, board committees, department heads and be actively involved with strategic conversations, so they can effectively support risk management decisions and strategies. Their role involves coordinating all aspects of risk management across the organization ensuring alignment with the organization’s culture and practices.

Enterprise risk management is crucial for not-for-profit organizations as it helps ensure their long-term sustainability and mission success. Unlike for-profit entities, not-for-profit organizations often operate with limited resources and face unique challenges such as fluctuating funding sources, resource limitations, regulatory changes and reputational risks. Implementing ERM allows not-for-profits to proactively identify and manage these risks, thereby safeguarding their assets, enhancing donor confidence and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. By integrating ERM into their governance structure, organizations can better navigate uncertainties, make informed decisions and maintain the trust of their stakeholders, which is essential for their continued operation and impact.

Establishing a risk governance framework within your organization

Creating a risk governance framework involves a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, mitigating and monitoring risks across an organization. By following these eight steps, you can develop a comprehensive framework that effectively manages risks, enhances decision-making, and supports long-term resilience and success:

1. Define objectives and scope
2. Establish risk and appetite tolerance
3. Conduct risk assessment
4. Develop risk management policies
5. Implement risk mitigation strategies
6. Establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms
7. Communicate and educate
8. Evaluate and improve

Making ERM governance effective

Effective ERM governance provides a foundation for creating a risk-aware culture and ensuring that risk management activities are aligned with the organization’s goals, objectives and risk appetite. A risk aware culture:

• Encourages active participation in risk management
• Leads to more resilience and enhanced ability to manage uncertainties and opportunities
• Reduces unforeseen incidents, improves decision-making processes and enables informed risk-based decisions
• Ensures that risk factors align with long-term objectives and helps to identify challenges and opportunities for strategic adjustments/goals
• Emphasizes the importance of enduring resilience and aligning with the goal of promoting sustainable business operations
• Contributes to long-term financial stability, mitigating risks that could impact organizational viability and success

Roles and responsibilities

These common roles within not-for-profit organizations can be defined in respect to ERM as follows:

Board of directors

• Oversight of ERM framework and policies. This includes monitoring the actions of the executive leadership to ensure their actions align with the overall strategic goals.
• Setting risk appetite and tolerance

Audit committee

• Ensuring integrity of financial reporting and controls
• Reviewing risk management procedures

Executive leadership (Executive director, CEO, CFO, COO)

• Championing ERM initiatives
• Integrating risk management into strategic planning
• Providing independent assurance to risk management effectiveness

ERM leaders

• Leading the ERM program
• Coordinating risk management activities across the organization

For not-for-profit organizations, establishing a risk-aware culture and having strong leadership in ERM initiatives are crucial. Fostering a risk-aware culture means encouraging staff and volunteers to actively participate in risk management processes, which leads to greater resilience and the ability to seize opportunities while mitigating potential threats. Additionally, executive leadership must integrate risk management into strategic planning, ensuring that risk considerations are aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. This alignment helps not-for-profits to not only survive but thrive in an ever-changing environment, ultimately contributing to their long-term success and stability.

The board should ensure a strong culture, set ethical standards, define values, monitor alignment, integrate risk management, ensure compliance, and foster continuous improvement to enhance organizational performance and resilience.

Are you ready to take the next step with your organization and elevate your governance framework with Enterprise Risk Management? Reach out to a Baker Tilly specialist today to discover how we can help you achieve your goals.

CORRIGAN, Texas, April 29, 2025 /3BL/ – In August 2023, Georgia-Pacific donated $100,000 to the volunteer fire department in Corrigan, Texas, in support of a capital campaign to build a new fire station. After years of planning and months of construction, the city of Corrigan cut the ribbon on the new station.

The Corrigan Volunteer Firefighters broke ground on the 6,000-square foot building in August 2024. Several months ago, the fire department started the last phase of construction and finished the inside of the station, thanks to a second $100,000 grant from Georgia-Pacific.

The Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department has approximately 25 active members who answer more than 150 emergency calls each year.

Nationally, volunteer fire departments make up 65% of our nation’s firefighters. Out of 29,452 fire departments in the country, 18,873 of these departments are volunteer. In addition to fire emergencies, these first responders handle emergency medical incidents, vehicle accidents, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, water rescue emergencies and other public service calls. Many Georgia-Pacific employees are also volunteer first responders in their off hours.

Despite their importance to keeping people and communities across the country safe, many volunteer fire departments are severely underfunded. Georgia-Pacific has long-supported volunteer departments in its communities by ensuring they have updated facilities, vehicles and equipment. 

Georgia-Pacific is committed to giving back in meaningful ways to the communities in which our employees work and live. Learn more about our social stewardship.

View original content here.

Cisco tech aids bee conservation by enhancing habitat monitoring, optimizing hive health data, and supporting research to promote thriving bee populations.

View original content here.

About Cisco

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners, and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity, and strengthen digital resilience.  With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.

About Cisco’s Purpose
Cisco’s Purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All. Driven by this Purpose, we combine our technology, people, and broader networks to address society’s great challenges.

Gilead is committed to using its virology expertise to advance HIV treatment and prevention to help end the epidemic. Since 2010, the company has partnered with Emory University in Atlanta to launch AIDSVu – an online mapping tool that visualizes granular data related to the HIV epidemic in the United States.

The tool was designed to help increase awareness and understanding of the impact of HIV across the U.S., especially in the South.

AIDSVu analyses have revealed that although new HIV diagnoses have been declining throughout the country from 2008 to 2022, this progress has been uneven across regions. For example, the U.S. South saw only a 17% decrease in new HIV diagnoses during this period compared to a 43% decrease in the Northeast.

“The first time we looked at the national map, I saw things about the HIV epidemic that I hadn’t understood in decades of working in surveillance,” says Dr. Patrick Sullivan, who previously worked in HIV surveillance programs at the Centers for Disease Control.

Patrick, a professor at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and the Principal Scientist for AIDSVu, recalls how HIV tracking before AIDSVu included producing 100-page reports filled with tables and numbers. He notes that the online mapping platform provides data that’s easier to visualize and understand.

“Data is power,” he says. “Whether you are a mathematical person or a visual person, you can come and look and we can have a common understanding of what the HIV epidemic looks like in our city, in our in our state or in the country.”

AIDSVu partners with 58 cities across the country, representing more than half of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, to share ZIP code level HIV data on AIDSVu. Atlanta is one of those cities, and the resources available on the tool have helped local advocates highlight critical local statistics like the fact that the rate of new HIV diagnoses there is nearly double the rate in the South.

In her role as Senior Director of Government Affairs at Gilead, Pema McGuinness works closely with Patrick and sees the impact AIDSVu has had on HIV policy and health advocacy work.

“If an advocate is meeting with one of their elected officials, they have super granular data to show them this is what the HIV epidemic looks like in your jurisdiction,” explains Pema. “These are the issues that are impacting your constituencies, and they can demand change.”

Similarly, Harold Phillips, Deputy Director of Programs for the National Minority AIDS Council, sees how the AIDSVu data can help play a role in healthcare and ending the HIV epidemic.

“It’s going to take understanding and it’s also going to take us using data so that we can make sure we’re not leaving any populations behind in this effort,” he says.

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

• Company achieved 39.5% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity for scopes 1 and 2 from the 2019 base year
• 2024 corporate sustainability report announces 29.3% absolute reductions in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from the 2019 baseline
• Continued focus on health and safety; drives 11% decrease in total recordable incident rate; with 206 perfect HSE days.
   

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), an energy technology company, reported a 39.5% reduction in emissions intensity of its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from its 2019 baseline in its 2024 corporate sustainability report (CSR), highlighting its commitment to delivering lasting value through sustainability. The company is holding its course on its sustainability commitments, supported by strong corporate governance and a “people first” culture.

“Our ability to drive economic growth and achieve significant emissions reductions underscores our commitment to sustainable energy development – the balance needed to supply the world with the energy it needs today without adversely impacting the abundance and availability of energy tomorrow,” said Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli. “By focusing on increasing efficiencies and integrating sustainability into our corporate strategy, we also enable our customers to meet their emissions targets.”

“Sustainability continues to be a key competitive advantage for Baker Hughes, helping us deliver long-term value to all of our stakeholders,” said Baker Hughes Chief Sustainability Officer Allyson Anderson Book. “Our 2024 CSR shows how each part of our business has contributed to advancing our sustainability strategy – executed through corporate framework of people, planet, and principles – with a strong alignment to our commercial strategy. As we foster a culture of safety, well-being and belonging, our people remain central contributors to advancing sustainability through initiatives like Carbon Out.”

Key highlights of Baker Hughes’ sustainability performance in 2024 include:

• Delivering emissions reduction with profitable growth: Baker Hughes continues to play a role in addressing climate change by incorporating sustainable practices into its business and helping our customers do the same. The company reported a 39.5% reduction in emissions intensity and a 29.3% absolute reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from the 2019 base year.
• Driving sustainability across all stages of products and services: The company reported 79% annual growth in lifecycle analyses (LCAs) of its products and services, providing its customers with transparent emissions data with which they may make informed decisions on reaching their emissions targets. In 2024, 560 LCA assessments were completed using its cutting-edge FastLCA tool, bringing the total to date to nearly 1,000 LCAs for its commercial solutions. This tool also quantifies avoided and removed GHG emissions, which are emissions that can be either avoided or saved through equipment upgrades, equipment servicing, improved efficiency or removed through technologies, essential for furthering lower carbon energy expansion.
• “People first” culture, with corporate responsibility: The company introduced a unified talent strategy to attract, retain and nurture top talent, alongside a “people first” initiative promoting inclusivity and belonging. In 2024, voluntary attrition dropped to 6%. In addition, over 2,000 employees volunteered 44,613 hours to more than 520 charities worldwide demonstrating the company’s commitment to giving back to communities.
• Employees’ health and safety remain non-negotiable: Baker Hughes remained vigilant about workplace safety and maintained high standards of health, safety, and environment (HSE), concluding the year with first-ever external assurance of this data. In 2024, the company’s total recordable incident rate decreased by 11% compared to last year, and it achieved 206 Perfect HSE Days. 

Baker Hughes continues to make progress toward its net-zero goals and remains transparent in its reporting with two separate reviews of its annual sustainability report, which includes an independent accounting firm. Baker Hughes’ corporate sustainability report is prepared using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and the GHG Protocol as the foundation of our report.
 
The report is supplemented by detailed indices aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD), and CDP.
 
As a participant of UN Global Compact Initiative – a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices, Baker Hughes was awarded the Global Impact Award by UN Association of Houston for its unwavering commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
 
Learn more about Baker Hughes’ sustainability commitments and performance by accessing the full 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report here.
 
About Baker Hughes:
Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner, and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.
 

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For more information, please contact:
 
Media Relations 
 
Adrienne M. Lynch
+1-713-906-8407

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Written by Howie Xu | Chief AI & Innovation Officer

Gen Blog | Insights

Since taking office on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration has taken significant steps to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI. Efforts have been focused on accelerating AI innovation while curbing the flow of advanced technologies to geopolitical rivals. To foster growth, regulatory barriers are being eased, and Project Stargate is set to transform the nation’s AI infrastructure.

As AI rapidly evolves, policymakers must strike a balance between driving innovation and addressing risks related to misinformation, security, safety, and ethics. Gen has outlined key recommendations for responsible AI development, aligning with its ongoing policy efforts in the EU and core principles of Integrity, Accountability, Data Protection, Human Involvement, and Transparency.

The following is an overview of the recommendations, and you can take a deeper dive into them in our U.S. AI Policy Recommendations.

Recommendations for U.S. Policymakers 

As the U.S. enters this new era of emerging technology, shaping its AI strategy requires a framework that promotes responsible innovation while addressing its complex challenges. To achieve this, targeted policy measures must enhance accountability, consumer protection, transparency, security, safety, and public awareness.

The following recommendations from Gen outline key actions for U.S. policymakers to ensure AI’s safe and ethical development while strengthening America’s tech leadership. These build upon our commitment to five core policy principles: Integrity, Accountability, Data Protection, Human Involvement, and Transparency.

Our recommendations include:

1. Support and enact a nationwide AI law to regulate AI’s development, use, security, and safety in a balanced way
2. Strengthen consumer protection policies at the state level to safeguard individuals from fraudulent, dangerous, or defective AI technologies.
3. Regulate AI development and use by organizations to ensure responsible and ethical technologies.
4. Raise public awareness on AI risks through national education campaigns to inform Americans about content authenticity and the risks of sharing personal data online.
5. Establish clear guidelines on the ownership, rights, and ethical use of AI-generated data, including data used for training AI models, the recycling of AI-generated content, and the responsible deployment of digital avatars and personas.
6. Combat deepfakes and misinformation through legal frameworks that address and work toward eliminating them to secure public trust.
7. Mandate AI transparency by requiring AI companies to disclose information about their systems and provide clarity in how their models operate and make decisions.
8. Ensure regulatory certainty of AI standards to prevent regulatory ambiguity and foster innovation by giving companies confidence in compliance requirements.

While these recommendations lay a strong foundation for responsible AI governance, policymakers must also take a proactive role in areas where long-term technological progress is critical, but incentives are lacking. Key priorities include:

1. Investing in Fundamental Scientific Research: AI has the potential to drive groundbreaking discoveries in physics, chemistry, and other foundational sciences. Government funding for this research will be critical to unlocking the transformative advancements of AI in the coming decades, even if it may not yield immediate profits.
2. Preparing for Workforce Transition: AI-driven automation will reshape entire job sectors, affecting workers from rideshare drivers to software developers. Proactive workforce transition programs, including reskilling initiatives and adult education, can help guarantee that the benefits of AI are broadly shared and do not deepen economic divides.

3. Advancing Next-Generation Computing Materials: Silicon has powered the digital era, but new materials may offer superior speed, efficiency, and scalability. However, these alternatives face adoption challenges. Rather than focusing solely on AI model development, the U.S. government should spearhead research and infrastructure efforts to advance these cutting-edge materials and lay the groundwork for the next wave of computing innovation.

   A Call for Responsible Growth 

The U.S. stands at a pivotal moment in the AI revolution. While innovation drives progress, responsible governance must ensure that AI benefits society as a whole. By investing in foundational scientific research, preparing the American workforce for AI-driven changes, and promoting next-generation computing materials, the U.S. can secure its leadership in the global AI race while fostering long-term economic stability and technological progress.

Finally, balancing innovation with accountability requires collaboration between governments, industry, and global partners. For more insights on Gen’s policy approach, read our full U.S. AI Policy Recommendations and Digital Freedom in the EU.

April 28, 2025 /3BL/ – On a Tuesday, March 4, in Vienna, Austria, Erin Taylor steered her wheelchair before a gathering of the nation’s parliament and leading dignitaries. The young woman then operated a device exclusively with her eyes, bringing a hyper-realistic avatar to large screens to address the room.

“Technology holds tremendous promise for persons with disabilities—a promise realized when we codesign and control these technologies from the start,” Taylor said through her avatar. She called for an AI-empowered future, built in concert with the people who need solutions most.

Taylor was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2023, a neurodegenerative disease typically leading to full-body paralysis—it has no cure. She joined Parliament as a guest of the Scott-Morgan Foundation (SMF), a leading non-profit rewriting the future for people living with disabilities, and a consortium of collaborators leveraging AI.

The moment, which included her multilingual avatar cracking jokes in Viennese German, kicked off the Zero Project Conference, hosted in Vienna’s United Nations headquarters. As the largest accessibility-focused event in Europe, the conference saw roughly 1,500 attendees join panels and workshops, showcase groundbreaking innovations, and network with visionaries from around the world.

Teams from Lenovo, the global technology powerhouse, joined ZeroCon for the first time to meet with long-standing collaborators, share expertise, and explore the frontiers of assistive technology.

“It was a privilege to bring our vision of Smarter technology for all to Zero Project, where such brilliant innovators and advocates share our commitment to inclusion,” said Calvin Crosslin, President of the Lenovo Foundation and VP of human resources. “We took the opportunity to exchange ideas, show our own assistive tech solutions, and see how AI is already transforming lives.”

The same technology showcased at Parliament—with an interface developed by Lenovo and running on a ThinkPad x12 detachable tablet—was debuted at Lenovo Tech World last October, with Taylor welcoming Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang to the stage. That moment was the culmination of a multi-year collaboration with SMF.

SMF leadership spearheaded Lenovo’s involvement in the Zero Project Conference—convening accessibility leaders, hosting panels, and exploring new collaborations that could leverage Lenovo’s technology expertise and end-to-end AI portfolio.

“Erin’s call to action in Austria’s historic Parliament—to ensure digital rights become human rights—is a powerful reminder of technology’s potential when developed thoughtfully and inclusively,” said LaVonne Roberts, CEO of SMF United States. “The future of accessibility isn’t siloed innovation, but open collaboration. Our work with Lenovo exemplifies this approach – combining our foundation’s expertise in lived experience with their technological capabilities to create solutions that are more effective, more accessible, and more sustainable than any single organization could build alone.”

Establishing a culture of inclusive design

Several presenters at Zero Project Con referenced the phenomenon of “curb cutting”—a noted example of an accessibility-driven change that benefits many others. In adding ramps or otherwise leveling city curbs and sidewalks to accommodate wheelchairs, countless others benefitted: parents with strollers, shoppers with carts, children on scooters, and many with limited mobility. The theme was clear: Innovation for marginalized groups can enhance the experience of countless others.

“The scale of this opportunity is staggering – over 2.5 billion people currently need assistive technology, projected to exceed 3.5 billion by 2050,” Roberts said. “At the Scott-Morgan Foundation, we’re working to ensure these aren’t just statistics but a call to action. Each number represents a person whose talent, voice, and potential is waiting to be unleashed through thoughtful, inclusive technology.”

The same ethos informs the work of Lenovo’s Product Diversity Office (PDO), an oversight team that reviews products across the company for compliance, accessibility, and consideration of diverse global users.

“Truly, we go beyond compliance to establish a culture of inclusive design, where accessibility is part of the foundation of our innovation,” said Ada Lopez, who leads the PDO and joined the event. “The Zero Project conference was an incredible showcase for what’s possible, certainly, but it also made clear how much we can gain by listening and collaborating across organizations. Integrating different solutions is a huge part of what we do at Lenovo—and how we discover the ways assistive tech transforms everyone’s lives—and I’m excited to explore more opportunities to make a real impact.”

Lopez offered guidance to the entrepreneurs, non-profits, and larger companies at the event on how to evaluate, deploy, and scale accessible technologies globally.

Collaborating for an accessible future

Crosslin participated in a panel called “AI for All,” discussing ways to democratize technology and then evaluating assistive technology pitches from global entrepreneurs.

“It’s often easy for innovation to happen in a silo: push the technology, serve a single demographic of end user, and deliver a dedicated solution,” Crosslin said. “But this limits what we can accomplish together. This is a space where the outcome can be much greater than the sum of its parts—precisely what we see with Erin’s avatar.”

Led by SMF, the avatar solution integrates powerful AI-driven technologies: a custom avatar from D-ID, personalized voices from ElevenLabs, and eye-gaze tracking from IRISBOND. Lenovo led the development of the interface and provided devices to share and test the tech with individuals with ALS around the world.

“The tireless efforts of the Scott-Morgan Foundation, their collaborators, and Ada within our own Product Diversity Office are really moving the needle—it’s thrilling to see,” Crosslin said. “The democratization of AI is happening.”

The collaboration continues to grow, including exploring integrations with recognized alternative and augmentative communications (AAC) leader Smartbox.

Employee advocacy and support

After the Zero Project event, Crosslin and Lopez made the short journey to Bratislava, Slovakia, home to the largest Lenovo office in Europe.

“We carried the momentum from the event of building an inclusive future,” said Santiago Mendez, Lenovo’s head of corporate citizenship for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, who also joined the Zero Project Conference.  “We looked at our existing local initiatives and new ways to directly engage our communities in creating a more equitable world.”

In Bratislava, Mendez hosted conversations with employees, shared the tireless work of the employee resource groups across the region, and discussed further opportunities to support a culture of inclusion—from technology design and development to quality of life for employees.

Learn more about Zero Project, the Scott-Morgan Foundation, and Lenovo’s commitments to environmental, social, and governance excellence.

CAMDEN, N.J., April 28, 2025 /3BL/ – Subaru of America, Inc. and Operation Warm® today announced that they were honored with the 2025 Gold Halo Award for Best Direct Service Initiative. Presented by Engage for Good, the Halo Awards celebrate the most innovative and effective partnerships between companies and nonprofits, highlighting initiatives that go beyond good intentions to deliver measurable impact for both business and society.

Through this ongoing partnership, Subaru and Operation Warm provided brand-new coats, shoes, and socks to over 150,000 children in 2024, visiting homeless shelters and support agencies at coordinated gifting events. Nationwide, more than 630 Subaru retailers took part in the events as part of the Subaru Loves to Help® initiative, offering physical warmth, emotional comfort, and building a strong sense of community. The partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to creating positive, lasting change, as Subaru continues its mission to be More than a Car Company ^® and Operation Warm delivers More Than a Coat^®, focusing on comprehensive support, confidence, and hope.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc.: “We are proud to be recognized for our partnership with Operation Warm, an organization that inspires our devotion to helping those in urgent need. Every child deserves to feel safe and protected, and these clothing donations are just one way to comfort those who need it most. None of this would be possible without our dedicated retailers and their relationships in communities across the country. We look forward to building upon our historic support of more than 900,000 children and adults in urgent need situations, continuing to spread love, comfort, and confidence.”

Operation Warm is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering warmth, confidence, and hope by utilizing the powerful gift of brand-new coats and other essential clothing items to empower children and families in need. For over 25 years, Operation Warm has served over 6 million children in over 4,000 communities nationwide.

Grace Sica, Executive Director, Operation Warm: “Being honored with this award in our second year of partnership with Subaru says a lot about the impact we are making together. We see it reflected so often in kids’ smiling faces and parents’ tears; these coats, socks, and shoes offer so much more than physical warmth, they deliver emotional support. We’re grateful for this award and proud to amplify our reach, deepen our commitment, and help even more people moving forward.”

The Halo Awards were presented at Engage for Good’s 2025 Halo Awards Gala on April 24, 2025.

To learn more about Operation Warm, visit www.operationwarm.org/ and for more information about the Subaru Loves to Help initiative, visit subaru.com/help.

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About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

About Operation Warm
Operation Warm is a respected national nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering warmth, confidence, and hope among underserved children through essential programs that connect them to vital community resources. For over 25 years, Operation Warm and our esteemed supporters have utilized the powerful gift of brand-new coats and other essential clothing items to empower children and families in need. Our mission reaches beyond providing warmth; we strive to connect underserved kids to community resources needed to thrive. Together, we are transforming lives and making a lasting impact on communities across the nation. To get involved, visit www.operationwarm.org.

Diane Anton
Corporate Communications Manager
(856) 488-5093
danton@subaru.com

Adam Leiter
Corporate Communications Specialist
(856) 488-8668
aleiter@subaru.com