M&A & Tech Services: NEC agreed to sell its overseas network equipment resale business and parts of its IT services operations to a consortium led by Italy-based Assist Group, with closing expected in NEC’s 2026 fiscal year. AI & Jobs: A World Bank report warns AI job displacement risk is far higher in high-income economies (14.2% of jobs highly automatable) than in low- and middle-income countries (4.5%). Italian Economy Pulse: Italy’s services PMI rose to 52.5 in July as cost pressures eased, with input cost inflation falling for a second month and new business hitting its highest level this year. Energy Storage: OX2 acquired two Italian battery storage projects in Apulia totaling 200MW/800MWh from Hanwha Energy Europe, targeting construction in 2027 and commissioning in late 2028. Healthcare Innovation: Mestrualia secured CE marking for its Sobek non-invasive women’s health diagnostic device, moving toward clinical pilots. Renewables Deal: OX2’s move adds to Italy’s growing storage pipeline, while TotalEnergies’ broader European renewables reshuffle continues to reshape the sector. Sports Betting/Media: Genius Sports partnered Polymarket to combine official live sports streaming and integrity services with prediction markets, including Italy’s Serie A.