Below, Richard C. Jennings looks at the use of modern genetic technologies of plant breeding for increasing agricultural productivity. The author notes the wide range of such technologies that are available and considers the debate that has developed over one of them – genetic modification. He argues that for this particular technology to succeed the GM industry must be open in evaluating the safety of these new plant breeds.
EU Post-Crisis Resilience and Fragility: Collateral Damage or Global Recovery
There is a perception of steady economic recovery across the post-sovereign debt crisis within the European Union (EU) and the Eurozone. Data and market-driven indicators, however, belie weaknesses and danger points revealed in the EU parliamentary elections on 25th May, 2014. Below, Irene Finel-Honigman examines both the recovery and the underlying damage and risks that are also present.
The National Origins of Policy Ideas
By John L. Campbell and Ove K. Pedersen
In this article John Campbell and Ove Pedersen argue that the way policy ideas are generated by knowledge regimes varies considerably across countries; and the effect on national politics is significant.
TPP and Global Governance
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) currently under negotiation in the Asia Pacific region may drastically change the structure and function of the governance of global trade and investment. Below, Junji Nakagawa argues that the 21st century global economy needs fundamental reform of its governance structure, and suggests that what is needed is an insight into the changing patterns of global economy, and an innovative and evolutionary approach to reinvigorate the existing institutions for global economic governance.
Interpretation of Happiness and the Sense of Happiness
By BAO Zonghao
Since ancient times, thinkers and philosophers have interpreted happiness and the sense of happiness from perspectives such as human nature, utilitarianism, marginal utility, emotion and cognition as well as quality of life. Below, BAO Zonghao proposes interpreting happiness and the sense of happiness by means of civilized development.
Embedding Security in the Internet of Things
By Jim Carlsson
The Internet of Things will mean a better-connected world, with huge possibilities for positive change – and big opportunities for cyber-criminals. Jim Carlsson, CEO of Clavister says security must be placed at the heart of the next generation of smart connected devices.
The Bubble Economy: Is Suitable Growth Possible?
How can risk spreading from the bankers to their customers or the taxpayers be reversed? Below, Robert U Ayres argues that part of the answer must be to change the incentives, and suggests ways forward.
China’s Path to Health Policy Reform
Serious problems arose in the health care sector when China introduced market-based methods of economic management, as rising out-of-pocket costs impoverished families and many went without needed care. In response, China has expanded its social insurance system, with different plans now covering 95% of the population. Since 2009, government is more actively managing the primary care system, and controlling the cost of pharmaceuticals. Below, Åke Blomqvist discusses how China’s health policy has drawn on the experience of many different countries, and local governments use a variety of approaches in implementing central health policy guidelines, and suggests that lessons learned from local experiments will influence the system’s future direction.
A System Perspective on India’s Healthcare Industry
As one of the recently industrialized nations, India has a fast-growing economy as well as an ever-expanding, ever-urbanized population, however its healthcare system still has a lot of potential for development. Lawton Robert Burns describes the issues with India’s health services, and addresses a variety of lenses and frameworks through which one can begin to analyze India’s developing healthcare system.
EDITOR'S PICK OF THE WEEK
The Performance and Transformation Orchestrator: The CFO’s New Mandate in the Age of AI
By Terence Tse
CFOs are evolving into AI-driven transformation orchestrators, balancing finance, technology, and strategy while upskilling teams, managing risks, and driving measurable business value.
A key insight from this year’s AI for CFOs event, organized...
