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Electronics
Explore the latest strategic trends, research and analysis
Global Issue
Industry
Economy
4th Industrial Revolution
Global Issue
Industry
Economy
4th Industrial Revolution
Electronics
Explore context
Electricity
This entire room has been turned into a giant wireless charger
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a system to safely deliver electricity over the air, using a conductive surface and a conductive pole to generate magnetic fields.
Circular Economy
Repairing – not recycling – is the first step to tackling e-waste from smartphones. Here’s why.
The ability to repair phones will be key to conserving resources, tackling e-waste and climate mitigation, and building a circular economy for electronics.
Circular Economy
Electronics can trigger a more circular, sustainable world – here’s how
Transitioning the electronics sector to circular practices is complex but necessary for a more sustainable future. One Dell exec explains why.
India
How a start-up in India is pioneering a way to tackle the global e-waste problem
Electronic waste is one of the world’s fastest-growing environmental challenges – and opportunities. Indian start-up, Karo Sambhav, is helping to tackle the country’s giant e-waste challe...
Electronics
Facilitating Trade Along Circular Electronics Value Chains
Electronics are a critical part of our lives and even more so in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, however, too many electronics wind up in the environment, are recycle...
Decarbonizing Energy
Bill Gates: How we'll move around in a clean, green future
Addressing CO2 produced from travel is vital to ensure the sustainability of the planet, whilst still ensuring economic benefits associated with travel, writes Bill Gates.
Electronics
These microbes are being used to clean up toxic electronic waste
Electronic waste is becoming a global issue, with all the electronic waste produced annually weighing as much as 5,000 Eiffel towers.
Electronics
Global electronic waste up 21% in five years, and recycling isn’t keeping up
In 2019, only 17.4% of global e-waste was formally collected and recycled. E-waste management is important to avoid it accumulating in the environment, polluting habitats and harming peop...
Africa
‘Tokunbo’: How African nations are battling with the sale of 'zombie' appliances
African nations are working to stem the resell of imported air conditioning units and refrigerators from Europe. The appliances are damaging to the environment and costly to run.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
New ‘stretchy electronics’ could redefine wearable tech
A 'peel and stack' method of making electronics could allow chips to be worn on the skin.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
A new type of electrode will be able to amplify the power of batteries
A new lithium metal anode could increase the longevity and energy density of batteries.
Innovation
The importance of social networks for innovation and productivity
Social networks facilitate the diffusion of ideas across individuals and firms, which in turn plays an important role in productivity growth.
France
This European capital tried to fight climate change - but things didn't go as they'd hoped
To reduce their carbon footprint and increase mobility options, many cities have been investing in e-scooter and bike sharing schemes. But they haven't always turned out as well as planne...
Cities and Urbanization
Can smart cities help their residents without hurting their privacy?
From street sensors that reduce collisions and congestion, to heated pavements that melt snow - data is driving urban improvements. But citizens need a meaningful role in evaluating data ...
Internet of Things
A billion people live in data poverty – but what does it mean?
The ability to exercise many of our most basic rights and privileges – from voting to travelling – requires standardized information to determine who is eligible for what. But, in the age...