Accenture Plc Ireland Stock Price, News & Analysis

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has launched the application period for the fifth annual Accenture HealthTech Innovation Challenge, inviting health start-ups to develop solutions that enhance healthcare access and delivery in North America. This year’s challenge highlights three areas: Increased Access, Consumer & Clinician Experience, and Operational Efficiency. Submissions will be accepted until July 2nd, with finalists presenting at a virtual event on September 28.

Accenture aims to foster innovation that improves health outcomes while leveraging technology and human ingenuity.

Accenture and Efma have launched the eighth annual Banking Innovation Awards, aiming to recognize transformative innovations in the banking sector. Banks can submit entries until September 24, focusing on areas such as AI, digital marketing, and customer experience. A special ‘Global Innovator’ award will honor a bank demonstrating continuous innovation. Winners will be revealed on November 18. John Berry, CEO of Efma, emphasized the importance of digital channels for banks to adapt post-COVID-19, while Fabrice Asvazadourian from Accenture highlighted the role of new technologies in driving growth.

Accenture's recent report reveals that while 95% of North American asset managers expect technology to be a competitive advantage by 2025, many are lagging in adopting transformative technologies like AI and cloud solutions. Only 8% have completed their cloud journey, and just 28% are experimenting with AI. The report indicates that 85% of executives believe a radical operational restructuring is necessary. Moreover, 91% intend to transform their product distribution by 2026, yet less than a third have implemented new tech platforms. The findings emphasize the urgency for firms to innovate to maintain competitiveness.

According to Accenture's new report, only 7% of industrial companies plan to enhance their digital sales capabilities within the next two years. The report, based on a survey of 500 executives, predicts that by 2025, 29% of industrial sales will occur through digital channels, up from 21% today. While 96% acknowledge the necessity for transformation, the majority remain inactive. Accenture categorized companies into three clusters based on digital sales maturity: Leaders, Strivers, and Laggards, revealing significant resistance among sales staff towards digital adaptation.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) plans to acquire Linkbynet, a prominent French cloud services provider, enhancing its cloud capabilities. Founded in 2000, Linkbynet specializes in cloud optimization, managed services, and security, boasting over 900 skilled professionals. This acquisition aligns with Accenture’s strategy to bolster its Cloud First group, which consists of 70,000 cloud experts, backed by a $3 billion investment. The deal is subject to customary approvals and aims to support clients in adopting emerging technologies.

A recent Accenture report reveals that during the pandemic, 56% of surveyed citizens took on new caregiving roles, but 89% are unaware of available social services. Although 57% felt their agencies responded effectively to COVID-19, 54% noted increased demand for digital services, while 55% reported difficulties in implementing them. The report emphasizes the need for modernized social services, with executives recognizing the importance of technology investment, including AI and data analytics, to enhance future responsiveness and accessibility.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and Shiseido have formed a joint venture named Shiseido Interactive Beauty to expedite Shiseido's digital transformation. This partnership will integrate around 250 digital and IT specialists from both companies and facilitate the migration of Shiseido's IT infrastructure to the cloud, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This initiative aligns with Shiseido's WIN 2023 and Beyond strategy, which emphasizes long-term growth through branding and innovation. Operations are set to commence in July.

The Global Task Force on Pandemic Response, a U.S.-based public-private partnership, announced initiatives to combat the COVID-19 surge in India. They plan to deliver 1,000 Puritan Bennett™ ventilators and 25,000 oxygen concentrators to support healthcare facilities, with deliveries expected by early June. Additionally, a Chief Human Resources Officer India Action Group has been formed to assist CHROs in supporting their workforce. The Task Force collaborates with U.S. and Indian government officials and includes a coalition of prominent companies aimed at maximizing corporate contributions to pandemic relief efforts.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) announced the retirement of chief marketing & communications officer Amy Fuller on August 31, 2021. Jill Kramer, the current global head of brand, will take over on June 1, 2021, and join the Global Management Committee. Kramer has more than 20 years of experience in advertising and marketing, previously leading significant changes and efficiency improvements in Accenture’s marketing operations. Under Fuller, the brand became the most valuable in IT services, successfully launching major initiatives such as the 'Let there be change' campaign.