In a precursor to Copenhagen, U.S. thought-leaders got together to examine the global energy outlook, climate change and U.S. policy on sustainable energy supplies. Makes interesting reading…

The Copenhagen show is about to start, and for some uplifting specifics on what may be possible, as well as the broader challenges, take a look at some of the European Union leadership regarding climate change responses.

The European Commission underlines the crucial importance of reaching a global, ambitious and comprehensive climate agreement at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen on 7-18 December.

The much-debated Treaty of Lisbon enters into force today, promising inherently European citizenship, cross-European democracy, direct petitioning by citizens and creating greater European integration across borders, among other claims. The E.U. is move closer to ’super-nation’ status.

A new initiative in the Silicon Valley, centred around Santa Clara University, is creating a forum for the leading minds in ethical financial innovation, responsible risk management, and behavioral finance. A key feature examined in the new initiative, will be a much-needed alignment of incentives, for those participating in financial markets.

There may be some surprises in the Transparency International’s 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), a measure of domestic, public sector corruption. Whilst war zones are among the worst, kick-backs, crony capitalism and nepotism means some Western countries fare less well than you might think. It seems institutions and process matter. Read more…

Abu Dhabi has recently reviewed and standardised building codes, an important regional advantage. Abu Dhabi, was listed as the most innovative city in mid-East, in the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Emerging 11 Index.

Government 2.0 in Australia is happening. And it represents a once in a life-time reform opportunity, so what does it take… instant messaging, government-wide wikis? Hear from the Government 2.0 Taskforce… What about cultural reform? Are government innovators punished? And, of course, 2thinknow comments…

Super-fast Internet is the new ‘Wealth of Nations’ – enabling innovation competitive advantage & improving destination desirability; failure is not an option.

National Broadband Network, & closer technological collaboration between Australia & Germany are 2 key themes of CeBIT AusInnovate.

Shared Services as Innovation. Jack Cassidy, MD of Bearing Point raised this as enabling collaborative innovation. Good point.

Melbourne’s latest Transport Disaster – a Tram Jam. 3 Transport Modes severely impeded. People walking (again). The City clogged again in 2 directions. Fix!

COMMENT, Melbourne — The Rudd Government today announced $6 billion in life support for the local Australian car manufacturing industry.
Manufacturing skills, infrastructure & cars are important.
Rudd’s $6 Billion on the Amex.
The Rudd plan is broadly positive, however it has a large cost. $6 billion to be precise.
One of the problems with Government intervention in the economy is that Governments see costs, and not opportunities. Costs not revenue increase.
It’s unimaginative.
But when I’ve worked for Government that’s what I normally find. Lack of imagination.
Most farsighted ideas will be killed. Or implemented in …

Voting machines are unreliable across the United States. How can that be in a major democracy?

Rudd’s 2020 summit is a good idea, but will it fulfil its promise?