19 autumn 2025 Google chooses Luxembourg for Centre of Excellence Global technology leader Google has selected Luxem- bourg to open its new centre of excellence as well as a hub for AI transformation. The Centre of Excellence (CoE) will be hosted by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg. “This partnership is not restricted to today’s technologies but anticipates tomorrow’s developments and their impacts,” said Prof. Yves Le Traon, director of SnT at the University of Luxembourg. The CoE will enable SnT to enhance its research in digital sovereignty and increase awareness of technol- ogies with a significant societal impact. “The estab- lishment of the CoE is the beginning of a transforma- tive partnership between Google and the University of Luxembourg,” said Minister for Research and Higher Education and Minister for Digitalisation Stéphanie Obertin. In parallel to the CoE, Google’s newly opened office, will provide skills training, build a strong local eco- system of partners and startups, enable customers to fully leverage cloud and AI solutions, and accelerate cloud solutions adoption. “Luxembourg is a vital centre of innovation, and Google Cloud is proud to partner in its ongoing digi- tal transformation,” said Anthony Cirot, Google Cloud EMEA South. “Through our expanded presence and initiatives, we aim to empower Luxembourg’s busi- nesses and citizens to harness the power of technology, foster innovation and build a thriving digital future for the nation.” DATA, AI AND QUANTUM 19 Leaders need first to understand AI By Emmanuel Vivier, co-founder of HUB Institute Artificial intelligence is poised to transform busi- ness as profoundly as the steam engine did dur- ing the 19th-century industrial revolution. Over the next 5-10 years, AI advancements – especially in generative AI and machine learning – will un- lock unprecedented strategic and operational op- portunities for companies worldwide. We will see new business models, revenue streams and ave- nues for market differentiation, while technology will enable cost optimisation, productivity gains and automation. Despite billions invested and rapid technologi- cal progress, many large companies still struggle to scale AI effectively. The main barriers aren’t technical – they’re organisational. Issues such as outdated culture, unclear processes, poor govern- ance and a lack of skills are often to blame. You cannot support what you do not under- stand. Before driving change across an organisa- tion, leaders must first internalise it themselves. No transformation can succeed without direction – and leadership begins with personal conviction, knowledge and decisive action. This is why CEOs and top managers must be at the centre of this process. © HUB Institute