AI and machine learning inspire the discovery/design of new materials and the processes to manufacture them. Autonomous R&D pushes the envelope for building predictive models and platforms that drive high-throughput innovation. How did we get here so fast, and where will this global megatrend take us? 

Human stewardship of the Earth is undergoing a metamorphosis—and for very good reasons. The planet is getting hotter, and the situation is getting worse. How can the paint industry, whose products literally cover the Earth, re-engineer its products and processes toward a more sustainable future?

Paint and coatings contribute to global health in many unseen ways, like reducing the risk of infection, keeping our food supply chain safer, giving us more time to escape a fire, and eliminating exposure to dangerous materials. Get the details in this installment of our new Innovation Insights column.

Commercialization of 3D printing, the increase in popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), and climate change-related challenges are highlighted as three major global trends affecting coatings industry growth and leading innovation efforts.