From Optimization to Autonomy: How Data-Driven Decision-Making Is Reshaping Heavy Industry

Heavy industry is entering a new phase of transformation, shaped by rising energy costs, sustainability pressures and the need for more intelligent decision-making across operations. In this ROKStudios session, Danijel Koren, Investments Director at Nexe, joins Stan Miller to discuss why data-driven systems are becoming more important in sectors traditionally seen as slower to change. He explores how digital transformation can help leaders move beyond short-term optimization towards longer-term resilience, sustainability and value creation, while also improving operational effectiveness. Danijel also highlights the human side of the journey, explaining why trust, culture and operator confidence are critical if advanced control, analytics and more autonomous ways of working are to move beyond pilot projects and deliver value at scale.