After decades of economic decline, grinding poverty, and lagging development, Africa is finally showing signs of progress. Why is this happening now? What opportunities and threats does it present? What do you need to know to make the most of this trend? We'll provide the answers.

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After decades of economic decline, grinding poverty, and lagging development, Africa is finally showing signs of progress. Why is this happening now? What opportunities and threats does it present? What do you need to know to make the most of this trend? We’ll provide the answers.

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Synthetic biology is the technology that allows scientists to create "artificial life forms" tailored to perform otherwise impossible feats. For our purposes, it includes even the rewriting and insertion of one new, functioning gene. As explained in our July 2010 issue, this emerging field is on the verge of triggering an economic and technological revolution that will transform nearly every aspect of our lives. Just as the fundamental technologies of photolithography and solid-state physics were indispensible to information technology, sequencing and synthesis technologies for DNA, RNA, and proteins will be indispensible for synthetic biology. Where do these technologies stand? What’s ahead? How can you profit? We'll fill you in.

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While it’s not yet accurate to say that unionized public employees are more disliked than members of Congress or trial lawyers, it is true that they have fallen further and faster than even those miscreants over the past decade. With many states on the brink of bankruptcy and government workers making up to twice as much in total compensation as their private-sector peers, there is a rapidly-growing movement that seeks to correct these perceived injustices. What will this mean for politicians, government employees, government contractors, and taxpayers? What are the political, economic, and social implications? We’ll provide the answers you need.

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"It's always darkest before the dawn." Nowhere is that cliche more applicable than in today's venture capital industry. When compared to the beginning of any of the prior six decades, things appear pretty bleak. However, it's precisely because the industry has been so beaten down from its tech bubble heights that great opportunities are just waiting for the taking. What's ahead, and what are the implications for entrepreneurs, investors, and the broader economy? Keep reading to find out.

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While individuals, small businesses, and even government entities have seen their cash assets disappear in the face of the Great Recession, major corporations are sitting on stockpiles of cash, waiting for opportunities to put it to work. What are the implications for the economy in the months and years ahead? We’ll explain.

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For the past three decades, the message from boardrooms around the world has typically been: “Simply simplify!” At the risk of sounding redundant, an increasing number of firms are recognizing that this solution is simplistic. Research shows that the best companies simplify to the extent that they continue to increase long-term value. Beyond that point, they learn to embrace and optimize complexity. What does this mean for employees, investors, suppliers, and customers? We’ll explain.

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