Global Solution Networks Blog
Recent articles and research reports
New Research: Role of Business in Global Problem Solving
A new generation of creative and innovative business leaders has recognized the value of collaborating with other stakeholders to create dynamic solutions. By taking a networked approach to global problem solving, business has a significant role to play and can make...
Digital Disruption—A Revolution in Governance
GSN Chairman Don Tapscott is on the cover of the latest Canadian Government Executive magazine for an interview with Editor-in-Chief Toby Fyfe in which he discusses the power of the GSN model as a new vector for global problem solving.
The Climate Web™ – A Key Tool for Global Solution Networks
Networks are a growing topic of discussion for what I’ll characterize as Risk 2.0 global challenges. Climate change is such a challenge, and has been a focus of early work by Global Solution Networks (see, for example, Addressing the Climate Crisis with Networks of...
New Research Post: Crowdfunding
A Roadmap for Global Solution Networks Crowdfunding asks innumerable individuals to contribute small amounts of money in support of a goal, project or new organization —even if the ”funding applicants” are unincorporated, experimental or short-term. Crowdfunding...
In a city overwhelmed by drought, São Paulo river hunter maps water sources
In adventures he chronicles on his Facebook page, Existe Água em SP (“There is Water in SP”), the river hunter Adriano Sampaio is a tireless urban expeditionist, walking the city in search of lost rivers and springs, and posting a steady stream of videos to his page....
‘We’ll have the Internet of Everything but not the Inclusion of Everyone,”
“If we were building a financial system from scratch today, we’d do it on a digital platform,” Bill Gates once said in an address on behalf of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion. A new report sponsored by the GSMA, or Groupe Speciale Mobile Association,...
How Should Cities Prepare for Aging Boomer Populations?
Curtin University has just earned the first 5 Green Star Communities Rating from the Green Building Council for a master plan developed for a design for the Perth campus that focusses on sustainability, a critical step, says CannonDesign architect Peter Ellis, in...
What makes ACCCRN Different? More Substance, Less Spin.
The latest findings from a report on the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network underline the need for enhancing the capacity for facilitated learning in developing resilient cities. Most effective projects strengthen collaboration and networks, open access...
Regulating fishing on the high seas issue for GSNs
The high seas that roll beyond national coastal economic zones represent more than half of the world’s oceans. After a decade of discussions, the UN has finally agreed to protections to try to preserve the biodiversity of the oceans. World Wildlife Fund, and others...
FinScope Survey Shows that Mobile Money Drives Financial Inclusion
According to the recently released FinScope Consumer Survey conducted in Zimbabwe in 2014, financial participation has risen nearly 20% over three years, apparently driven by increasing use of mobile money platforms. The research will allow policy makers to develop...
Debate on vaccine safety rages as Nigeria nears polio-free status
The most recent Global Polio Eradication Initiative update from Nigeria shows that the country is near polio-free as the wild polio virus has been unseen for 7 months while a type-2 outbreak derived from vaccinations continues to affect the...
New Research Project: Ensuring Sustainability and Reducing E-Waste
Networked Solutions for the Electronics Industry The consumer electronics industry is faced with an unsustainable dependence on non-renewable resources; and an inability to manage and recycle increasing volumes of electronic waste. While policy makers, civil society,...
Collaborations of German Labor Unions, Chambers of Commerce and Industry Groups Design Apprenticeships
In the face of mounting global unemployment in the ranks of young people, apprenticeships as an alternative to college is emerging in several industries. Similar proposed programs in the US have been met with some skepticism, but may be gaining...
Gender Neutral Financial Inclusion Key to Development in India
International Center for Research on Women and the UNDP rank India the worst for gender equality even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches "Beti Bachao Beti Pahao" (Save Girls, Educate Girls) and Sukanya Samridhi Yojna (girls prosperity scheme) programs, which...
Cybercurrency gets closer to the mainstream as NY issues new regs revisions
New York's Department of Financial Services has issued a revision to its proposed "BitLicense" regulatory scheme following a round of public hearings and forums on the first draft that was issued last July. The revision, which addresses topics of compliance and...
New UN Report Spotlights Attacks on Girls Seeking Education
A UN human rights report points to encouraging progress in developing education programs, while noting the significant barriers faced by girls attempting to access those programs.
Financial Inclusion via Social Media—bank or bandwagon?
The transactions are small, and the unregulated exposure is unknown. The access is limited but the potential scope is huge. Banking through social media: a good idea, or a passing bandwagon? http://bit.ly/1M4OFqu
Leadership of Cities on the Road to Paris
The C40 Latin American Mayors Forum in Buenos Aires on 27 March 2015, will be a critical opportunity for city leaders to address one of the most important development challenges of the 21st century: how rapidly growing urban areas can be sustainable and livable for...