Are you a researcher with an idea that could help solve one of today’s most pressing problems? A conference in Dubai this November will showcase research addressing a wide range of global social and environmental issues. And you can now apply to be involved – and present your work. Prototypes for Humanity, the organisation behind the event, will invite a group of senior academics to attend the three-day forum (November 17-20), which will promote innovative scientific solutions from around the … Continue reading “Dubai event invites researchers from across world to tackle global challenges – apply to attend”
Canada is lagging in innovation, and that’s a problem for funding the programs we care about
As Canadians prepare to vote in another federal election, the country’s economy faces a sobering reality. As the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes, productivity is stagnating, our innovation performance lags global peers and high-potential startups often fail to scale. Despite these warning signs, innovation policy remains largely absent from political discourse. Canadians hear a great deal about how political parties are going to spend money, but little about where the money is going to come from. This … Continue reading “Canada is lagging in innovation, and that’s a problem for funding the programs we care about”
Non-compete agreements and other restraints can end up hurting Australian workers – and all of us pay the price
Twinsterphoto/Shutterstock Australian workers have to overcome some significant barriers in navigating their careers. Some may lack the training or work experience opportunities needed to make themselves stand out and take the next step. Others may be extensively qualified, but face limited new job or promotional opportunities relevant to their skill set. But there’s another common barrier that’s often overlooked: post-employment restraints. Among the most well-known are non-compete clauses, but these aren’t the only kind. These tools are designed to protect … Continue reading “Non-compete agreements and other restraints can end up hurting Australian workers – and all of us pay the price”
When humans use AI to earn patents, who is doing the inventing?
Only humans can be awarded patents, but AIs can do a lot of the work to earn them. lineartestpilot/iStock via Getty Images The advent of generative artificial intelligence has sent shock waves across industries, from the technical to the creative. AI systems that can generate viable computer code, write news stories and spin up professional-looking graphics have inspired countless headlines asking whether they will take away jobs in technology, journalism and design, among many other fields. And these new ways … Continue reading “When humans use AI to earn patents, who is doing the inventing?”
Four Chinese firms looking to shake up the tech world in the wake of DeepSeek
The success of the Chinese AI firm DeepSeek shocked financial markets and major US tech firms in January 2025. But it shouldn’t have come as such a surprise. Because, for decades now, plenty of companies in China have been developing competitive advantages that enable them to make remarkable progress. This involves a different strategy to that of many big western firms that rely on things like branding – like Apple – and exclusive technology – like Nvidia – to succeed. … Continue reading “Four Chinese firms looking to shake up the tech world in the wake of DeepSeek”
South Africa’s state-owned entities are flagging – how innovation, research and development could revive them
GrAl/Shutterstock South Africa has about 700 state-owned enterprises. They operate across sectors like transport, energy and public utilities, and some are among the largest employers in those sectors. Entities like these are created and controlled by a country’s government to provide essential services and drive economic development. In South Africa, they were formed in the 20th century, when the government recognised the need to support local industries by providing services such as rail transport, financing and electricity. As the country … Continue reading “South Africa’s state-owned entities are flagging – how innovation, research and development could revive them”
Beyond AI regulation: How government and industry can team up to make the technology safer without hindering innovation
One of President Donald Trump's first executive orders in his second term called for developing an AI action plan. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Imagine a not-too-distant future where you let an intelligent robot manage your finances. It knows everything about you. It follows your moves, analyzes markets, adapts to your goals and invests faster and smarter than you can. Your investments soar. But then one day, you wake up to a nightmare: Your savings have been transferred to a … Continue reading “Beyond AI regulation: How government and industry can team up to make the technology safer without hindering innovation”
Great Ways To Use Data To Enhance Efficiency
Big data technology can be invaluable for companies trying to improve their efficiency in 2025.
Beyond the garage: How important are spaces to business creation?
Cities, and on a smaller scale, neighbourhoods and meeting places, play a significant role in promoting innovation. (Shutterstock) There is an enduring myth that many technological innovations have come out of garages, bedrooms and basements. One of the most famous garages is the one at Steve Jobs’ parents’ house where he was rumoured to have designed the Apple I computer, along with Steve Wozniak and some colleagues. The myth was so persistent, that the garage was designated as a site … Continue reading “Beyond the garage: How important are spaces to business creation?”
Drupal: Open Source CMS for Data-Driven Businesses
Drupal is a great CMS for companies trying to make the most of big data to grow their businesses.