Fire Safety as a Development Multiplier for India

India’s decision to observe Pan-India Fire Safety Week (4–10 May 2026) is a growing recognition that fire safety is a critical component of national development, urban resilience, and economic security. In the journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047, infrastructure expansion, industrial growth, and urbanisation are accelerating. However, without robust fire safety systems, these gains remain vulnerable to catastrophic disruptions.

The Scale of the Challenge:

India faces a significant fire safety challenge that is both structural and recurring. According to available national data, 7,054 fire accidents and 6,891 deaths were recorded in 2023, highlighting the alarming scale of fire-related risks across the country. Residential buildings continue to remain the most vulnerable spaces, accounting for over 54 percent of all fire-related deaths, which indicates that fire safety concerns are not limited to industrial or commercial zones but deeply embedded within everyday urban living environments. One of the most persistent causes of fire incidents in India is electrical malfunction, including short circuits, overloading, and faulty wiring, making electrical faults a leading contributor to urban fire outbreaks.

Historically, India has witnessed thousands of fire-related fatalities every year, with incidents claiming dozens of lives on an almost daily basis. This pattern demonstrates that fire accidents in the country are not isolated emergencies but a sustained public safety concern requiring long-term policy intervention.

Recent urban data further intensifies this concern. Delhi alone recorded more than 2,700 fire incidents in the early months of 2026, with nearly 85 percent reportedly linked to electrical issues. Such figures point toward a systemic problem in urban electrical infrastructure, maintenance standards, and enforcement mechanisms. Compliance failures also remain deeply concerning. In one reported dataset, only 12 out of 5,506 residential fire cases involved buildings with valid fire safety certification or No Objection Certificates (NOCs), indicating widespread non-compliance and weak regulatory adherence across residential ecosystems.

Fire incidents in India are not rare or accidental disruptions occurring in isolation. Rather, they represent frequent and systemic failures rooted in infrastructure deficiencies, weak enforcement of fire safety regulations, inadequate building compliance mechanisms, and behavioural negligence at both institutional and citizen levels. For a nation aspiring to become a developed economy under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, addressing fire safety can no longer remain a peripheral governance issue but must be treated as a core pillar of resilient national development.

Why Fire Safety is Critical for Viksit Bharat

1. Economic Resilience: Fire incidents impose significant and often underestimated economic costs on India’s growth trajectory. Losses are particularly severe in MSMEs and manufacturing units, which contribute nearly 30 percent to India’s GDP and employ over 110 million people. These enterprises often operate in dense industrial clusters with limited compliance to fire safety norms, making them highly vulnerable. Warehousing and logistics infrastructure, especially with the rapid expansion of e-commerce and supply chain networks, also faces elevated risks due to the storage of combustible materials and inadequate fire suppression systems. Commercial hubs, including markets, office complexes, and retail centres, further amplify economic exposure.

A single industrial fire can trigger cascading disruptions, halting production cycles, damaging capital assets, and breaking supply chains that affect downstream industries. In export-oriented sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, fire incidents can delay shipments, breach international contracts, and erode India’s credibility in global markets. Insurance data globally suggests that fire accounts for one of the highest shares of industrial losses, and in developing economies like India, underinsurance compounds the economic shock. Therefore, strengthening fire safety is not merely a regulatory necessity but a strategic economic safeguard essential for sustaining high growth under the Viksit Bharat vision.

2. Urban Transformation and Smart Cities: India’s urban population is projected to exceed 600 million by 2030, driving vertical expansion and high-density urban development. This transformation necessitates robust fire safety systems tailored for high-rise buildings, mixed-use developments, and complex urban infrastructure. Modern cities require advanced fire detection, suppression, and evacuation systems integrated into building design from the outset.

Fire-resilient smart infrastructure must go beyond conventional firefighting. It includes sensor-based detection systems, automated alarms, smoke management technologies, and real-time communication networks connected to Integrated Command and Control Centres under the Smart Cities Mission. The integration of digital monitoring systems, including IoT-enabled devices and GIS-based risk mapping, allows authorities to identify high-risk zones and respond swiftly to emergencies.

Without embedding fire safety into urban planning and governance, the Smart Cities Mission risks becoming structurally fragile. High-density urban clusters, if not equipped with adequate fire safety infrastructure, can turn localized incidents into large-scale disasters. Thus, fire safety must be positioned as a foundational pillar of urban resilience rather than a post-construction compliance requirement.

3. Human Capital Protection: Fire safety is fundamentally a human development issue. Fire accidents disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including women, informal workers, and residents of densely populated urban settlements. In several datasets, women account for a significant share of fatalities, often due to domestic fires, unsafe cooking practices, and limited access to emergency response systems. Informal workers employed in small factories, workshops, and unregulated commercial establishments face heightened exposure due to poor safety standards and lack of training.

Urban poor communities living in congested settlements are particularly at risk due to narrow access lanes, high population density, and the use of flammable construction materials. In such environments, even a small fire can escalate rapidly, leading to large-scale loss of life and property. The absence of awareness, training, and early warning systems further aggravates the situation.

Protecting human capital is central to India’s demographic dividend. Frequent fire incidents not only result in loss of life but also cause long-term socio-economic setbacks for affected families, including loss of livelihoods, increased healthcare costs, and intergenerational poverty risks. Therefore, investing in fire safety is directly linked to safeguarding India’s workforce and ensuring inclusive development.

4. Ease of Doing Business: Fire safety compliance plays a critical role in improving India’s business environment. Industrial certifications, building approvals, and operational licenses are increasingly linked to adherence to fire safety norms. For businesses, particularly in manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and commercial real estate, compliance is not optional but integral to operational continuity.

Insurance frameworks also heavily depend on fire safety standards. Firms with inadequate safety systems face higher premiums or may be denied coverage altogether, increasing financial vulnerability. Conversely, strong compliance can reduce insurance costs and enhance risk management.

From a global perspective, foreign investors and multinational corporations evaluate safety standards as part of their investment decisions. Weak fire safety enforcement can deter investment by raising concerns about operational risks and regulatory uncertainty. As India positions itself as a global manufacturing and investment hub, aligning fire safety standards with international best practices becomes essential for enhancing investor confidence and strengthening the Ease of Doing Business ecosystem.

5. Climate Change Link: Fire safety is increasingly intertwined with climate change dynamics. Rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, and urban heat island effects significantly increase the likelihood of fire incidents, particularly in densely built urban areas. Higher ambient temperatures lead to increased electricity consumption, placing stress on electrical infrastructure and raising the risk of short circuits and equipment failures.

Climate change also contributes to the drying of materials, making both natural and built environments more combustible. In peri-urban and industrial zones, this can lead to faster fire spread and greater damage. Additionally, extreme weather events can disrupt firefighting operations and strain emergency response systems.

Recognising fire safety as a component of climate adaptation is crucial. Integrating fire risk assessments into climate resilience planning, promoting heat-resistant building materials, and upgrading electrical infrastructure are essential steps. As India advances toward Viksit Bharat, aligning fire safety strategies with climate resilience frameworks will ensure that development remains sustainable and future-ready.

Global Best Practices in Fire Safety Governance: Lessons for India

1. United States: Data-Driven Fire Management

The United States represents one of the most advanced fire safety ecosystems globally, driven by strong institutional frameworks and data-centric governance. Organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association have developed globally recognised codes like NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), which are widely adopted across states and even internationally. Fire safety compliance is not static; it is reinforced through mandatory inspections, periodic audits, and strict penalties for violations.

A key strength of the U.S. model lies in its use of data. Agencies such as the U.S. Fire Administration maintain extensive fire incident databases, enabling predictive analytics to identify high-risk geographies, building types, and behavioural patterns. Increasingly, cities are deploying AI-driven risk modelling and GIS-based mapping to optimise fire station placement, reduce response times, and anticipate fire outbreaks before they occur.

Empirical evidence suggests that such systems have significantly reduced fire-related fatalities over decades, even as urbanisation has increased. The U.S. has achieved a long-term decline in fire deaths per capita through a combination of regulation, technology, and awareness.

India must move toward institutionalised, data-backed enforcement systems, including a national fire data repository, AI-enabled risk prediction, and standardised compliance audits across states.

2. Japan: Community-Centric Fire Preparedness

Japan’s fire safety model is deeply embedded in its societal structure, combining technological sophistication with exceptional community participation. Given its vulnerability to earthquakes, Japan has developed integrated systems that simultaneously address fire risks arising from seismic events. Urban infrastructure incorporates fire-resistant materials, automatic shut-off systems for gas and electricity, and advanced suppression technologies.

However, the most distinctive feature of Japan’s approach is its emphasis on behavioural preparedness. Nationwide fire drills are conducted regularly, often involving schools, workplaces, and local communities. Citizens are trained in evacuation protocols, basic firefighting techniques, and emergency response coordination. Public awareness campaigns ensure that fire safety becomes a part of everyday life rather than an occasional concern.

Japan’s fire fatality rates remain among the lowest globally despite high population density, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining infrastructure with behavioural discipline.

Fire safety must evolve beyond regulation into a mass behavioural movement. Citizen participation, school-level education, and regular community drills can significantly enhance preparedness and reduce casualties.

3. United Kingdom: Regulatory Accountability Model

The United Kingdom has transitioned toward a highly accountable and legally enforceable fire safety regime, particularly after major incidents such as the Grenfell Tower fire, which exposed critical gaps in building safety compliance. In response, the UK strengthened its regulatory framework through legislation such as the Fire Safety Act and the Building Safety Act.

A defining feature of the UK model is the clear assignment of responsibility. Building owners, landlords, and facility managers are legally obligated to conduct regular fire risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including criminal liability. Independent fire safety audits and third-party certifications further enhance transparency and accountability.

The UK also emphasises detailed documentation, evacuation planning, and occupant awareness, ensuring that fire safety is integrated into building lifecycle management rather than treated as a one-time approval.

India must shift from advisory frameworks to enforceable liability regimes, where accountability is clearly defined and violations attract strict legal consequences.

4. Singapore: Zero-Tolerance Compliance Model

Singapore is widely regarded as a global benchmark for strict enforcement and technological integration in fire safety governance. The Singapore Civil Defence Force plays a central role in ensuring compliance through a highly digitised and transparent system. Fire safety approvals, inspections, and certifications are managed through online platforms, reducing delays and eliminating discretion.

All commercial and high-risk buildings are subject to mandatory fire certification, and inspections are conducted regularly, often using digital tools for real-time reporting. Non-compliance is met with immediate penalties, including fines, closure orders, or legal action. Fire safety considerations are also integrated into urban planning, ensuring that infrastructure design aligns with emergency response requirements.

Singapore’s approach has resulted in one of the lowest fire incident rates globally, demonstrating the effectiveness of a zero-tolerance compliance culture supported by technology.

Leveraging digital governance tools, real-time monitoring, and strict enforcement can significantly improve compliance levels and reduce fire risks in rapidly urbanising environments.

5. Scandinavian Countries: Prevention-Oriented Framework

Countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have adopted a prevention-first approach to fire safety, focusing on early detection and risk mitigation rather than post-incident response. One of the most notable features of this model is the near-universal adoption of smoke alarms in residential buildings, often mandated by law. Studies indicate that functioning smoke alarms can reduce fire-related fatalities by up to 50 percent.

These countries also integrate fire safety into broader welfare and insurance systems. Compliance with fire safety norms is often linked to insurance premiums, creating financial incentives for households and businesses to adopt preventive measures. Public awareness campaigns, combined with strong social trust and governance, ensure high levels of voluntary compliance.

Additionally, building materials, electrical systems, and heating mechanisms are regulated to minimise fire risks from the outset. Fire departments focus extensively on community outreach, inspections, and education, reducing the overall incidence of fires.

A shift toward prevention, supported by early detection systems, universal safety devices, and incentive-based compliance, can deliver far greater long-term benefits than a response-heavy approach.

Global best practices clearly demonstrate that effective fire safety governance rests on five pillars, strong institutions, enforceable regulations, technological integration, community participation, and a prevention-first approach. For India, adapting these lessons within its federal structure and diverse socio-economic landscape will be critical to building a fire-resilient ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

India’s Policy and Institutional Framework

1. National Building Code (NBC) 2016

The National Building Code of India 2016 serves as the cornerstone of India’s fire and life safety architecture. Developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards, the NBC provides comprehensive guidelines covering building design, construction materials, structural safety, fire exits, alarm systems, ventilation, and evacuation protocols. It classifies buildings based on occupancy types such as residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional, prescribing tailored fire safety measures for each category.

A key strength of the NBC lies in its technical depth, aligning in many respects with global standards such as those of the NFPA. It mandates provisions like fire-resistant construction materials, compartmentalisation to prevent fire spread, installation of sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings, and minimum requirements for escape routes and staircases. However, the critical limitation is that the NBC remains largely recommendatory at the national level. Its adoption depends on state governments and local urban bodies, leading to fragmented implementation.

Studies and urban audits have repeatedly shown that compliance levels remain low, particularly in smaller cities and informal construction sectors. The absence of uniform enforcement mechanisms and limited capacity at the municipal level weaken the effectiveness of an otherwise robust code. This gap between design and implementation continues to be one of the most pressing challenges in India’s fire safety ecosystem.

2. Constitutional Position

Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, fire services fall within the State List, placing primary responsibility for fire prevention, regulation, and response on state governments. While this federal structure allows states to tailor policies based on local conditions, it also results in significant disparities in capacity, funding, and enforcement.

States vary widely in terms of fire service infrastructure, manpower availability, training standards, and technological adoption. Metropolitan regions such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have relatively advanced fire services, whereas smaller towns and rural areas often lack basic firefighting equipment and trained personnel. According to various assessments, India faces a substantial shortage of fire stations, firefighting vehicles, and trained staff relative to its population and urban density.

This decentralised governance model also leads to inconsistencies in building approvals, fire NOC issuance, and inspection regimes. In many cases, fire safety compliance is treated as a procedural formality rather than a continuous obligation, resulting in lapses over time. The lack of a unified national regulatory authority further limits coordination, standardisation, and data sharing across states.

3. Fire Services Modernisation Scheme

Recognising these systemic gaps, the Government of India has launched the Fire Services Modernisation Scheme with an outlay of approximately ₹5,000 crore. This initiative represents one of the most significant national-level investments in strengthening fire safety infrastructure.

The scheme focuses on three core areas. First, it supports equipment upgrades, including the procurement of modern firefighting vehicles, hydraulic platforms for high-rise operations, advanced breathing apparatus, and fire detection technologies. Second, it emphasises capacity building through training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of fire personnel in handling complex urban and industrial fire scenarios. Third, it prioritises infrastructure strengthening by supporting the establishment and upgrading of fire stations, especially in underserved regions.

The scheme also aligns with broader disaster management objectives, aiming to improve response times, enhance coordination between agencies, and integrate fire services into multi-hazard emergency frameworks. However, the effectiveness of this initiative will depend on timely fund utilisation, state-level implementation efficiency, and continuous monitoring.

Modi Government Initiatives: Toward a Safer India

1. Modernisation of Fire Services

Under the broader governance framework of the Government led by Narendra Modi, fire safety has increasingly been linked with disaster resilience and infrastructure development. Investments in modern firefighting equipment, including high-capacity pumps, aerial ladder platforms, and specialised vehicles for chemical and industrial fires, have strengthened operational capabilities.

There is also a growing emphasis on integrating fire services with disaster response mechanisms under institutions such as the National Disaster Management Authority. This integration ensures that fire incidents, particularly large-scale industrial or urban fires, are managed within a coordinated national framework.

2. Smart Cities Mission Integration

The Smart Cities Mission has introduced a transformative approach to urban fire safety by embedding it within digital governance systems. Cities selected under the mission are equipped with Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs), which act as central hubs for monitoring and managing urban services, including emergency response.

Fire safety within these cities is being enhanced through the deployment of smart sensors, automated alarm systems, and real-time surveillance networks. These technologies enable faster detection of fire incidents and more efficient deployment of firefighting resources. In several cities, response times have improved due to better coordination and data-driven decision-making.

3. Digital India and GIS Mapping

The Digital India programme has opened new avenues for leveraging technology in fire risk management. GIS-based mapping tools are increasingly being used to identify high-risk zones, map fire station coverage, and optimise emergency response routes.

In addition, IoT-enabled fire detection systems are being piloted in commercial complexes, industrial units, and public infrastructure. These systems can automatically alert authorities in real time, reducing response delays and minimising damage. The integration of digital platforms also facilitates better record-keeping, compliance tracking, and transparency in fire safety administration.

4. Disaster Management Reforms

India’s disaster management framework has undergone significant strengthening over the past decade, with fire safety emerging as an important component. The National Disaster Management Authority has developed guidelines and standard operating procedures for fire incidents, particularly in high-risk sectors such as chemical industries, hospitals, and urban settlements.

Regular mock drills, capacity-building initiatives, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms have improved preparedness levels. Fire services are increasingly being integrated with other emergency services, including medical response and law enforcement, creating a more holistic disaster response ecosystem.

5. Urban Governance Reforms

Urban governance reforms have placed greater emphasis on accountability and compliance in fire safety. Municipal bodies are being encouraged to strengthen fire NOC mechanisms, conduct regular building safety audits, and enforce penalties for non-compliance.

There is also a growing push toward digitising approval processes, reducing delays while improving transparency. In some cities, online systems for fire NOC applications and renewals have been introduced, minimising manual intervention and potential inefficiencies. However, challenges remain in ensuring consistent enforcement, particularly in informal and rapidly expanding urban areas.

India’s policy and institutional framework for fire safety is evolving, supported by strong codes, increasing investments, and technology-driven governance initiatives. However, the core challenge lies in bridging the gap between policy intent and ground-level implementation. Strengthening enforcement, enhancing institutional coordination, and fostering a culture of compliance will be essential for transforming fire safety into a foundational pillar of Viksit Bharat.

Key Gaps in India’s Fire Safety Ecosystem

Despite notable policy intent and increasing investments, India’s fire safety ecosystem continues to face deep structural gaps that limit its effectiveness and scalability. One of the most critical challenges is the weak enforcement of fire safety norms. While the National Building Code of India 2016 provides detailed technical provisions, implementation at the ground level remains inconsistent. In many urban areas, fire safety compliance is often treated as a one-time approval requirement rather than a continuous obligation, leading to significant lapses over time. Inspections are either irregular or lack the rigour required to ensure adherence, and penalties for violations are often insufficient to act as deterrents.

Another major gap is the absence of periodic and standardised fire safety audits. In several high-risk establishments such as commercial complexes, hospitals, and industrial units, safety systems deteriorate due to poor maintenance, outdated equipment, or unauthorised structural modifications. Without mandatory annual or biannual audits, these risks remain undetected until a fire incident occurs. Studies in urban governance have repeatedly highlighted that a large proportion of fire incidents occur in buildings that had either outdated certifications or no valid fire clearance at all.

Low public awareness further compounds the problem. Fire safety in India is still largely perceived as a technical or administrative issue rather than a shared civic responsibility. Basic knowledge about fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and the use of firefighting equipment such as extinguishers is limited among citizens. Unlike countries such as Japan, where fire drills and preparedness are embedded in community culture, India lacks a widespread behavioural framework for fire safety.

The prevalence of informal and unregulated construction significantly increases vulnerability. A large portion of India’s urban population resides in settlements or buildings that do not adhere to formal construction norms. These structures often lack proper ventilation, fire exits, and safe electrical systems, making them highly susceptible to rapid fire spread. Narrow access lanes in such areas also hinder firefighting operations, delaying response times and increasing casualties.

Institutional fragmentation remains another critical issue. Fire safety governance in India is distributed across multiple agencies, including municipal bodies, state fire departments, urban development authorities, and disaster management institutions such as the National Disaster Management Authority. The absence of a unified command structure or centralised data system leads to coordination gaps, duplication of efforts, and inefficiencies in emergency response and policy implementation.

Policy Recommendations for India

1. Make Fire Safety Codes Legally Enforceable

A fundamental reform required in India’s fire safety framework is the transition of the National Building Code of India 2016 from a recommendatory guideline to a legally enforceable national standard. This would ensure uniformity in adoption across states and eliminate ambiguities in compliance requirements. Legal enforceability should be complemented by clearly defined penalties for violations, including financial fines, operational restrictions, and, in severe cases, criminal liability. International experience shows that countries with binding fire codes have significantly lower fatality rates due to higher compliance levels.

2. National Fire Safety Authority

India would benefit from the establishment of a dedicated National Fire Safety Authority as a central regulatory body. Such an institution would play a pivotal role in standardising fire safety norms across states, monitoring compliance through a unified digital platform, and coordinating with state governments and urban local bodies. It could also maintain a national fire incident database, enabling evidence-based policymaking and risk assessment.

A central authority would help address the current fragmentation by creating a cohesive governance structure, ensuring that fire safety becomes a national priority rather than a dispersed administrative function.

3. Mandatory Annual Fire Audits

Introducing mandatory annual fire safety audits for high-risk establishments is essential for ensuring continuous compliance. High-rise buildings, hospitals, schools, and industrial units should be required to undergo third-party safety inspections at regular intervals. These audits should assess not only the presence of safety infrastructure but also its functionality, maintenance, and readiness.

Digital documentation of audit reports, linked to licensing and operational approvals, can enhance transparency and accountability. Evidence from global best practices indicates that periodic audits significantly reduce fire incidents by identifying risks before they escalate into emergencies.

4. Technology Integration

The integration of advanced technologies can transform India’s fire safety ecosystem from reactive to predictive. AI-based fire risk prediction models can analyse historical data, weather conditions, and infrastructure patterns to identify high-risk zones. IoT-enabled alarm systems can provide real-time alerts, enabling faster response and reducing damage.

Emerging technologies such as drone-based firefighting and surveillance can be particularly effective in dense urban areas and industrial zones where traditional firefighting methods face accessibility challenges. Additionally, GIS-based mapping of fire stations, hydrants, and risk zones can optimise resource allocation and reduce response times.

India’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives provide a strong foundation for embedding such technologies into fire safety governance.

5. Incentivised Compliance

Regulatory enforcement must be complemented by incentive-based mechanisms to encourage voluntary compliance. Linking fire safety adherence to insurance benefits can motivate businesses and households to invest in safety infrastructure. Buildings with certified compliance could receive lower insurance premiums, while non-compliant structures face higher risk costs.

Tax incentives for installing fire safety equipment, upgrading electrical systems, and adopting fire-resistant construction materials can further accelerate compliance. Such measures not only reduce the financial burden on stakeholders but also create a culture of proactive risk management.

6. Public Awareness Campaigns

Building a culture of fire safety requires sustained public engagement. Nationwide fire safety campaigns should focus on educating citizens about prevention, early detection, and emergency response. School-level education programs can instil fire safety awareness from an early age, creating a generation that is better prepared to handle emergencies.

Regular community-based fire drills, similar to models followed in countries like Japan, can enhance preparedness at the grassroots level. Volunteer programs and partnerships with civil society organisations can further strengthen outreach efforts, particularly in high-risk and underserved areas.

Mass media, digital platforms, and local governance institutions should be leveraged to ensure that fire safety awareness reaches every segment of society.

 

Bridging the gaps in India’s fire safety ecosystem requires a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach that combines regulatory reform, institutional strengthening, technological innovation, and behavioural change. As India advances toward the vision of Viksit Bharat, fire safety must transition from a reactive administrative function to a proactive, integrated, and citizen-driven national priority.

Fire safety is not merely a disaster management issue; it is a core developmental imperative that underpins India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047. As the country accelerates infrastructure expansion, industrial growth, and urban transformation, the need for systems that are safe, resilient, and sustainable becomes non-negotiable. This requires a fundamental shift in governance from reactive, post-incident response to proactive, prevention-driven frameworks that integrate technology, regulation, and accountability.

Equally important is the role of citizens, who must evolve from passive beneficiaries to active stakeholders in building a culture of safety through awareness, preparedness, and responsible behaviour. In this context, Fire Safety Week 2026 should not be seen as a symbolic observance but as the starting point of a sustained national movement toward a fire-resilient India, where economic growth is not only rapid but also secure, inclusive, and future-ready.