I can still clearly remember that one class at my alma mater, University of Chicago. The one class that profoundly challenged me and inspired me to look for more than just a degree from my studies. It was an introductory class in the public policy stream but, as often happens, the teacher made all the difference. The […]
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In search of the golden fleece
On 7 December 2012, we hosted our second AuditFutures assembly. Over 100 participants from diverse backgrounds came together for an open and honest debate about the future of audit and about rebuilding public trust in institutions. There is a vacuum in public trust, created by failing institutions. We often rush to be fill this space […]
The Art Reserve Bank
In the heart of Amsterdam’s financial district, the Kunst Reserve Bank coins art to create awareness about the finance system. Literally. Artists as Bankers In the midst of a dysfunctional financial system, a group of economists and artists have created an innovative cooperative to run an experiment of an alternative banking. The Art Reserve […]
The Story of the Finance Innovation Lab
I am really thrilled that during the weeks when media attention was on the Academy Awards and Golden Globes, we made a video that helped the Finance Lab win the NESTA/Guardian competition for the 50 radical ideas that transformed Britain! And I am excited that over 1000 unique visitors have already seen the video in […]
Get direct debit from… your food waste
GSB reported on a South Korean company introducing an innovative waste collection and recycling/composting system that credits users’ bank account every time they dispose their food waste in the RFID-equipped collection bins. It is indeed a cool idea and it is designed to help South Korea deal with their increasing food waste – according to […]
Education for Sustainability
It is not difficult to argue that education is vital in sustainability. From individuals’ behaviour choices to business decisions to government policy, lack of understanding or grasp of the complexity of the bigger picture has demonstrated its shortcomings. An ambition to innovate practical solutions that drive sustainability thinking into core business strategy would often start […]
Honey Laundering
Grist picked up a story today from the Food Safety News about an investigation showing that a third or more of all the honey consumed in the US is likely to have been smuggled in from China and may be tainted with illegal antibiotics and heavy metals. The disturbing article is about elaborate criminal schemes in […]
UK Riots – A Lesson of Resilience. Or lack of it.
Unfortunately, there is no way you can avoid talking or at least thinking this week about the London riots. Without a question, they are series of mindless and senseless acts that would appal every reasonable person. After the initial hesitation of the Metropolitan Police, the huge amount of arrests, the swift sentencing, and the three-in-a-row […]
Canada Day
Not today. It just happened that I read two stories from Canada today. First, there is the (rather) long article by Margaret Munro about Canadian government silencing scientists from talking with journalists about a report that could help explain the crashing of salmon stocks off the West Coast. There is a controversy and lack of […]
