Private Investors
What is shareholder activism and how should businesses respond?
There were 758 shareholder requests against public companies in 2016, nearly double the number in 2013. How have these formerly niche campaigns gained such momentum?
Agenda
The stories shaping the Global, Regional and Industry agendas
Global Agenda
Media, Entertainment and Information
Unequal opportunities, microchip implants and other top stories of the week
Also in this week's round-up: London becomes the start-up capital of Europe and why we need more realistic policies to end human trafficking.
Science & Technology
Scientists can vaccinate us against fake news
The persistence of misinformation spread by anti-vaccine campaigners is still having fatal effects. But it's only one instance of the kind of fake news that all scientists have a duty to combat.
Gender Parity
Taylor Swift, 3D-printed ovaries, and other top gender stories of the week
Also in this week’s round-up: the first black woman to lead America’s West Point cadets and the study that proves men aren’t born more competitive.
Values
Three quarters of people think the system is rigged against them
Trust in mainstream institutions of all kinds, from business to governments, and the media to NGOs, has never been in such short supply. It’s now at its lowest since 2012.
Illicit Economy
Four dangerous assumptions about human trafficking
Despite the commitment of governments, business and religious leaders to ending it, human trafficking is a persistent evil in the globalized world. We should be more realistic about how we identify and tackle the problem.
Emerging Technologies
You’ve heard of Bitcoin, but what about Ethereum?
Where Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, Ethereum is a platform – and that’s where its potential lies.
Future of Education, Gender and Work
6 ways to make sure AI creates jobs for all and not the few
Middle-skilled jobs will be hit the hardest and opportunities will be unequal at first. So how can we prepare for these changes to the world of work?
Growth
How countries have recovered from the financial crisis and other top economic stories of the week
Also in this week's round-up: Jim O’Neil summarizing the decade since the financial crisis and how income inequality evolved in the US.
Regional Agenda
China
There’s a standoff between China and India in the Himalayas. Both sides explain
But as time goes by, concerns that this incident could mark the beginning of a longer term downward trend in Sino-Indian relations are rising.
Future of Government
This is how Switzerland’s direct democracy works
Why is France's new President Emmanuel Macron so interested in the Swiss system?
United States
The geopolitical landscape of Asia Pacific is changing dramatically. Here’s how
Complex pressures are challenging many traditional alliances in the region.
Economy
Venezuela's economic crisis can be stopped. Here's how
Building bridges with international financial institutions could unlock billions of dollars in aid and debt relief for a nation in chaos.
Africa
Uganda’s policy towards refugees is the best in the world. Here's why
At a time when refugees are increasingly vilified, and in a region under great stress, Uganda's compassion and empathy are a ray of hope.
Nuclear Security
What happens when North Korea goes inter-continental
As North Korea has almost always beaten our expectations of the level and speed of its technological development, so it will again in the future.
Migration
Voting with their feet? Why young Africans are choosing migration over the ballot box
The most commonly cited reasons for people migrating from Africa to Europe revolve around the search for economic opportunity and jobs. But is poor governance at home the real driving force?
Africa
4 ways Africa can achieve a manufacturing renaissance
Faster development and technological progress is within Africa's grasp.
China
How China's high-tech boom can help global health
From drones ferrying blood transfusions to coolers for the Ebola vaccine, Chinese companies will play an increasing role in global healthcare.
Industry Agenda
Media, Entertainment and Information
Moving the goalposts: will footballers pledge 1% of their wages to change the world?
The idea is simple: players pledge 1% of their salaries to a collective fund for investment in football-based charities around the world.
Aviation, Travel and Tourism
The growth paradox: can tourism ever be sustainable?
If expanding tourism results in more jobs and greater economic opportunity, why are more and more destinations implementing measures to limit or restrict it?
Emerging Technologies
How automation and technology will change the buildings we live in
What are the broader consequences of emerging technologies on our living space?
Future of Government
We’re losing trust in business. How can we get it back?
Can “doing well by doing good” restore public faith in corporations?
Future of Information and Entertainment
How can creative industries benefit from blockchain?
The technology that enables Bitcoin could redefine how artists distribute and are paid for their work.
Podcast: As technology advances, how can we protect our values?
How can we create policies that ensure our most critical values are protected from any unintentional effects of new technology?
Manufacturing
5 trends for the future of manufacturing
From the rise of the robots to Augmented Reality glasses.
Cybersecurity
It’s time to think differently about cyber security
Forward-looking companies are thinking not only about how criminals can gain access to networks, but also what they do when they’re inside.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Why robots should inspire hope, not fear
Combining human brainpower with artificial intelligence, virtual reality and automatization will revolutionize how we work.
