The Australian stock market has gone sub 4500 points on indices again. The innovation is awaiting a state change, as some sort of white knight. That horse and rider has not come yet. Instead investors may feel like it’s the shaded horseman of the apocalyptic kind. It’s overshooting on the down side. Here’s why there’s no joy for major index investors in shares – and that includes superannuation…

Are high house prices good or bad for innovation? It seems the RBA are saying house asset inflation is good for Australia, perhaps mainly based around housing stock shortages. Our Executive Director, Christopher Hire, takes a look at property prices impact on innovation, and how they may prevent tomorrow’s employers – today’s start-ups – emerging.

The nature of innovation is shifting, but our society is stuck in old paradigms of innovation. Our Executive Director, Christopher Hire, examines what a Creative Age of innovation may mean and the opportunity it gives all of us, …

The lessons New Orleans learnt, and must learn, from Hurricane Katrina are important to all low-lying coastal cities in the time of climate change. This is a book review by local Sandy Rosenthal, Executive Director of New Orleans non-profit Levees.org, of Craig E. Colton’s book,”Perilous Place, Power Storms: Hurricane Protection in Coastal Louisiana” – a comparative study of the cities responses.

What is the real reson transport isn’t improved in Victoria, Australia? And how should we align politicians incentives to make sure it is done faster?

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…

Research ties between Old World (Europe) & New World (Australia & USA) are important. If you’re from Germany in Australia, please support this research.

One of the active Victoria Bushfire tweeters tell the story in his own words.

Innovations from CeBIT, a wrap-up of analysis from CeBIT & some future Innovation Themes!

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

Trends & Predictions. Innovation Cities benchmark. Sharing & publishing ideas. All will be bigger & better in 2009, as we roll-out the final version of 2thinknow, after extensive testing in 2008.

In this time of terrorism in Mumbai, let’s look at a positive Mumbai Success Story from a Creative Company.

A slideshow helpful in understanding the Mumbai Tragedy

Environmental reform is an opportunity for new business models, not a cost. 2thinknow trends support Alinga Consulting’s view.

Use Social media to track the Mumbai attacks in real time with real people & real coverage, as well as commentary, including maps.

City of beauty. City of water. Check out these inspiring photos & tell us what you think of Venice.

Let’s not pretend the last 8 years were capitalism. Capitalism is pro-business, pro-middle class.

COMMENT. Global. – Here are 7 things to love about trains.
And why 2thinknow view a Rail Renaissance as likely.
1. Speed.
German ICE trains are faster than air over 1000km. Around 4 hours CBD to CBD.
2. Clean.
Environmental impact around 10% of cars over the distance, according to numerous environmentalists.
3. Safe.
Mid-distance trains, in developed countries, are a generally safe transport option. Especially applicable for solo travellers.
4. Work-time.
Unlike cars or planes, rail work-time is increased. Work-time on planes is limited due to take-off, landing & wait.
Eurail working times in first-class are excellent, due to …

COMMENT. Global. – Trains, and rail is a resurgent transport platform.
For some great examples of trains, check out this slide-show on slideshare.
Safe, Cleaner, Practical.
Despite increasingly shrill voices on the right-wing think-tanks, calling for less public transport, rail has clear benefits, visible to all.
Most countries around the world can see the benefits. China, Japan, France, Austria, all are investing in rail. Why do you love trains?
Here at 2thinknow, next are 7 reasons why global trends support a rail renaissance.

COMMENT. Melbourne — A colleague of mine, of mature age, a professional director, told me he does not understand one thing about Melbourne’s directors.
How so many directors keep getting roles with less than stellar performance.
As a competent, good Director, he is mystified.
Shhh…
Of course no-one in the community says this publicly. I am a member of peak body AICD, and never heard it there! Truth begone! Top-down folk there.
With some Directors, often I get the feeling they want to investigate, interrogate you, and pick your brains. That’s if they can’t …