From London, to Singapore to Berlin and Melbourne a Ferris Wheel was the city ‘must-have’ in 2008. and yet, no city has ever branded itself by copying others so intensely – read why in this piece from the vault.

If you’re new here at 2thinknow, and you’re interested in the latest ideas on trends, companies and innovation, subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for your visit!COMMENT, Paris – Paris is divided into: Old Paris, where all the buildings have consistent height, and often consistent or at least fitting facades.
Standing on level 5 of Georges Pompidou, you can see the whole of Old Paris, laid out before you. I did this last in April 2007, and was mesmerized.

And New Paris: Office district on the other side of Paris; La …

Africa is often neglected in terms of innovation, but Africa needs a plan for innovation. A 100 year plan…

TRAVEL, GERMANY — This April, Christopher Hire from 2thinknow was assessing Düsseldorfas an innovation city, in the 2thinknow World Innovation City rankings for 2008, scheduled to be released in the last quarter of 2008.
A largely industrial city, on the Rhine, Dusseldorf is over 800 years old. The city is known as a fashion and advertising capital, with a major fashion fair annually.
The video contains many of Düsseldorf, ’s more impressive sites, the Rhine and buildings.
Königsallee, is a world-class shopping street, and the city contains various museums and galleries, such as …

TRAVEL, Rome — Rome is a marvelous, eternal city of beauty without end.
These slides show some of Rome’s most inspirational areas and beautiful landmarks. The lovely backing song is Roma Capoccia by Antonello Venditti, a famous Roman singer.
Rome was ranked equal 5th Innovation Cities in the world largely due to its inspiration, and position as Italian capital. The rankings were part of the Global Innovation Review 2007, authored by Christopher Hire and published by 2thinknow.
Rome is undoubtedly one of the worlds, most cultured and beautiful cities.
And on previous trips …

YOUR SAY, East Europe –People in English-speaking countries awareness of European foods is in some cases, low. Especially East European cuisine.

Following the huge popularity of our Serbian food article, and given this journal is read in over 975 cities worldwide, we would like to extend an invitation to you.
For Our East European Readers!
Please, write an article about the local cuisine of your city, region or country.
We want to know about what national foods you like to eat, what are the best examples of national cuisine, what you get homesick for …

VIDEOS, Youtube — Another beautiful world city Torino, or Turin, in the very North–west of Italy, near the Swiss and French borders. Embodying the rich layers of border cities, the images of this video, capture the beauty of Torino.
Most famously in a global sense, Torino hosted the Winter Olympics, and was able to use that to build awareness of the city internationally, outside Europe.
Once largely industrial, Torino is home to Fiat. The main newspaper is La Stampa. And now Torino, has become increasingly diversified in other areas of arts and …

REVIEWS, Europe — So being from Europe, Eurovision is a national pastime and real conversation piece this time of years.
I like to think of it as a way of watching a variety of cultures, and their attitudes to themselves. At 2thinknow, we study cultures, and globalism, so it is home-work!
Eurovision Song Contest – Belgrade 2008 Preview Player
Essentially a singing contest, with one representative of each nation, often controversially selected. The most interesting part is the voting, where neighboring countries often vote for or against each other, depending on the politics. …

VIDEOS, Youtube — For picturesque images of Bulgarian cities, including Sofia, watch this video.
Includes a musical backing soundtrack, in Bulgarian.
Bulgaria, notably, has changed a lot since the 90s.

VIDEOS, Youtube — This is a humorous video, in Bulgarian, showing Bulgarian sense of humor about their country. The title is ‘Bulgaria versus the EU’
Much of it is universally visual, despite the Bulgarian text. There is a musical soundtrack, which can be muted if you are watching at work.
Sometimes humor provides good insights into national characteristics or feelings.

COMMENT, China — Chinese leadership in Beijing must be wishing the Olympics would come around soon.
The significance of these 8 good news stories, is that the Beijing government often signals it’s shift in strategic thinking, and engagement, by actions rather than rhetoric.

China’s actions indicate some possibly shift in policies, and increasing inclination in Beijing top openness.
Few understand, the significance of these events, except perhaps Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and some European Union heavyweights.
Lucky 8
Here are 8 (8 is, of course, lucky in China), mostly positive news stories (including one …

COMMENT, Cuba — So we know Fidel Castro, leader of Cuba, is nearly a memory.
Finally the new leader, albeit his brother Raul, has taken some steps to catch Cuba up with the rest of the world. Sure these are basic steps, and sure there are more ways to go.

But in reality, there has been movement from what many in US politics regard as a recalcitrant regime. And where’s there’s movement there is possibility.
Here’s top 7 notable changes since Raul Castro, took over:
7. Cuba is seeking foreign investment in energy …

ANALYSIS, Australia — Tonight, in Australia, Wayne Swan as Australian Treasurer delivered the first budget of the new Rudd Centre-Left Labor Government.
The budget was solid, economically and fiscally-responsible according to ABC commentators like Alan Kohler. The budget was also politically astute, delivering on the promises made in the last election.

2thinknow Building Innovation Textbook
The budget read from the 2thinknow textbook on economic growth in challenging times, and nation-building of innovation cities and regions:
1) Infrastructure investment – ports, rail, institutions, broadband and roads
2) Productivity driven economics – childcare, flexible industrial relations, education
3) …