Last July, I reported on Mozilla’s roll out of its Firefox HTML-based operating system for smartphones. Mozilla’s innovative approach has enabled the first mobile device to be run completely on web technologies. This low-cost smartphone promises to expand global access to smart devices, make a huge contribution to the open-source movement, and create new entrepreneurial opportunities for developers around the world to meet local needs. Read more.
Submitted by Tracey Grose — Mon, 01/06/2014 – 11:34
The internet has quickened the pace of globalization by speeding the flow of information, creating access to new markets and enabling cross-border collaboration. The African continent is witnessing this as fast-growth economies emerge. The McKinsey Global Institute, the think tank of the global business consultancy, has released a series of insightful analyses on Africa’s growing economies and the role of technology. Read more.
Submitted by Tracey Grose — Tue, 11/26/2013 – 11:02
Silicon Valley and the wider San Francisco Bay Area is a global innovation hub. The success of the region’s highly adaptive innovation system can be attributed to multiple factors, and one of which is its strong ties with other places in the world. The Bay Area’s global linkages are growing, they drive innovation, and they generate new value in and outside the region. Read more.
Submitted by Tracey Grose — Thu, 10/31/2013 – 15:32
As manifestações promovidas pelos brasileiros no mês de Junho repercutiram em todo o mundo. “Acordamos” diziam os cartazes. Com o desejo de ter maior participação nas decisões de políticas públicas e contra algumas medidas realizadas no âmbito municipal, estadual e nacional, os jovens mostraram sua indignação com o poder público brasileiro. Leia mais.
The Brazilian protests in June were broadcast worldwide. “We have awoken” was written on posters. In search of a stronger voice on the decisions of public policies and against some measures taken by the government (city, state and federal), the youth showed their resentment. Read more.
Submitted by Editor — Tue, 09/17/2013 – 00:00
With the roll out of its Firefox OS phone on July 2, 2013, the Mozilla Foundation, nonprofit provider of Firefox browser, has made a huge contribution to the open-source movement and expanding global to smart devices. The Firefox OS phone is the first mobile device to be run completely on web technologies. Launched initially in Spain, Telefónica will sell the ZTE Open powered by Firefox OS for 69 Euros (about $90), and will include 30 Euros worth of credits for pre-paid customers. Read more.
Submitted by Tracey Grose — Mon, 07/15/2013 – 16:45
The fastest growing urban centers are also home to the world’s worst commuter experiences. Eight of the top ten painful metro areas reported in IBM’s most recent Commuter Pain Index are in fast-growth economies. Development of public transit systems is moving at a rapid pace in many areas, and some places may be investing in more than they actually need or can afford. Read more.
Submitted by Tracey Grose — Wed, 06/26/2013 – 17:17
In the area of health, mobile devices are enabling developing countries to not only leap-frog the wired world but also rise above persistent social, political, economic barriers. Examples from emerging economies around world illustrate a variety of innovations that hold promise and demonstrate success for improved health in urban centers with the greatest need. Read more.
Submitted by Tracey Grose — Thu, 05/16/2013 – 11:40
Mobile phone usage is growing and new service models emerging. Some hold great expectations for how the growing ubiquity of mobile phones will solve many problems related to poverty in the developing world. Positive impacts cited include disaster relief, banking for the poor, disease management, literacy, commute flows, as well as government accountability and delivery of services. A recently published book, The Great Indian Phone Book, examines what might prove to be the most disruptive communications device in history. In this early stage of the mobile phone revolution, new opportunities for micro enterprise are growing. Read more.
Submitted by Tracey Grose — Wed, 05/01/2013 – 09:53
Event: Futur en Seine Digital Festival
13–23 June 2013 
Paris, France
Futur en Seine was created by Cap Digital in 2009, as a ten days festival presenting the latest digital innovations from France and around the world for professionals and the general public.
The festival will start with the Innovations Village (exhibitions, conferences and workshops around innovative projects…) at CENTQUATRE centre from June 13th to 16th, 2013. It will continue all over Paris Region, with approximately one hundred partner events, until June 23rd 2013. Learn more.
Event: Global Forum on Innovation & Technology Entrepreneurship
28–30 May 2013 East London, South Africa
infoDev, a global innovation partnership within the World Bank, and South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology cordially invite you to the Global Forum on Innovation & Technology Entrepreneurship on May 28–30, 2013, in East London, South Africa. The Forum will take you on a journey into the world of learning, business matchmaking, strategy, and knowledge sharing, with a special focus on the needs of African innovators. Learn more.
