Use of technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence key to improving accuracy, efficiency, safety, and sustainability across a range of built environment applications
19 March 2024 – Arcadis has been named in Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024. Ranking amongst the top companies globally when it comes to pushing boundaries and effecting change, Arcadis joins an elite group of organizations that have been recognized for transforming business – and the built environment - through their novel and impactful work.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies (MIC) list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations. It identifies more than 600 of the most innovative companies across 58 sectors worldwide, highlighting the extent to which Arcadis is continuing to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in its industry.
The award comes as Arcadis embarks on its new 2024-2026 strategy cycle, Accelerating a planet positive future. Digital and human innovation is a core component of Arcadis’ approach, which centers on using data-driven insights and technologies to complement its sustainable design, engineering, and advisory expertise.
Key innovations that contributed to Arcadis’ ranking in the MIC include the launch of its Bridge Health solution, which combines advanced technology and human expertise to revolutionize the way in which bridges are inspected and maintained. The combination of drones, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to automate bridge assessments has been proven to have a significant impact on improving efficiency and safety.
Another notable solution includes Transport Strategy Optimizer (TSO), an AI-driven tool designed to identify optimal investment plans and address complex challenges faced by the transportation industry, including climate change, safety concerns, and budgetary constraints.
Arcadis’ use of Intelligent Asset Insights was also recognized. This focuses on monitoring and tracking assets to generate valuable insights in real-time through automated data collection and advanced data analytics. In particular, leveraging computer vision to allow for better decision-making in asset management, infrastructure maintenance, and safety improvement.
Beyond these innovative solutions, the MIC recognition also highlights the strength of Arcadis’ global innovation and ecosystems framework and its culture of systematic and repeatable innovation.
Edel Christie, Chief Growth Officer at Arcadis, said:
“At Arcadis, our commitment to driving progress and innovation in the built environment is redefining how we embed greater efficiencies, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making across every level of our business. From mitigating the impacts of climate change to ensuring equitable growth for all, we recognize the ever-growing challenges facing our clients, and are continuing to make strides in addressing these issues by developing digital solutions and collaborating with world-class partners to deliver the latest innovations and technical expertise. These advances are not only beneficial for our clients, but also contribute to the broader goals of enhancing infrastructure, minimizing risks, and achieving long-term resilience in a way that helps redefine the cities and experiences of tomorrow.”
Brendan Vaughan, Fast Company editor-in-chief, added:
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies is both a comprehensive look at the innovation economy and a snapshot of the business trends that defined the year. We saw extraordinary innovation across the board in 2023, but we also saw a handful of clear patterns: the growing footprint and impact of AI, the triumphant return of live events, and great leaps forward in climate tech. We face daunting challenges on many fronts, but the solutions we celebrate in MIC give me plenty of hope about the future.”
