In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I’m joined by Sandeep Bhattarai, Utilities Value Advisor at SAP UKI, to unpack the growing challenges facing the sector, and whether digital transformation can offer a sustainable way forward.
Recorded remotely but rooted in shared local ties—we discovered we’re both based in the West Midlands—this discussion covers the real pressures weighing on the water industry right now. From cost increases and regulatory demands to a public that’s watching more closely than ever, the sector is under intense scrutiny.
SAP’s recent research paints a stark picture: 94 percent of industry leaders believe that investment will need to increase significantly in the years ahead to meet growing demand. Sandeep shares what’s driving these pressures and highlights how gaps in digital infrastructure are making it harder to meet expectations. Together, we explore how technologies such as real-time data analytics, AI, automation, and IoT could help modernize aging water networks, enhance operational visibility, and improve regulatory compliance.
With AMP 8 set to reshape the industry from 2025 to 2030, we also ask whether digital transformation is a genuine route to progress—or whether deeper structural changes must come first.
Is the sector ready to embrace the investment needed to futureproof its operations? And can lessons from global utilities help drive smarter strategies in the UK?
Tune in to find out—and let me know: Do you believe technology is the path forward, or just one piece of a much larger puzzle?