Operations & technology

Utility-scale power plants have long dominated electricity distribution. Now, distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar are changing this model. DERs can disrupt the grid if poorly managed, but if integrated well, can enhance efficiency and resilience. This shift marks a significant change in how energy is generated and distributed.

As D.C. nears its 2024 Vision Zero deadline, traffic fatalities remain high. UVA Darden's associate professor Chris Parker has uncovered a key flaw: crash data underreporting by 30-40%. Parker's research aims to reshape traffic safety with data-driven solutions, potentially saving lives and creating more equitable streets in the nation's capital.

Social media is one of the biggest and most controversial disruptions in the last decade, arguably the last several decades. Algorithms, meant to create a more personalized experience, are isolating users from diverse opinions and news sources. How ca we use AI and data to redefine the user experience on social media to achieve healthier outcomes?

AI companions are designed to support the individual but what is the impact on broader society? Don’t we as humans get something out of supporting each other?

New research aims to make AI systems fairer when assigning tasks or allocating resources, giving everyone an equal shot at getting what they want.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, a unified team executing a flawed strategy often outperforms those pursuing a perfect strategy with fractured alignment. This principle of prioritizing alignment over flawless planning forms the cornerstone of the seven critical foundations for competitive success in the AI era.

As the race for fully autonomous vehicles heats up, challenges remain on the road to widespread adoption. Key to overcoming these obstacles will be consumer acceptance, technological advances, and regulation.

How close are we to fully automated vehicles and how will transportation itself change as a result?

The benefits of diversity in decision-making are well-documented. Having different perspectives and expertise produces better outcomes. But those don’t necessarily surface during discussions. How can leaders and organizations get the most from diverse perspectives and enhance the quality of conversations to achieve the best decisions?

Advances in AI and machine learning algorithms that can collect, interpret and generate data are happening fast. What happens when organizations automate managerial processes in pursuit of productivity gains? How might having an AI “boss” make people feel about themselves, their jobs and their status within the organizations that employ them?