Navigating the noise and acceleration in international development

𝗜𝗠𝗗 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 📣    Faculty insights, featured in global publications this week:    The Planetary KPIs That Inform Eco-Friendly Strategies - MIT Sloan Management Review  IMD Research Fellow Amanda N Williams, along with co-authors Paolo Perego and Gail Whiteman, write about the Earth system boundaries (ESBs) and how they can help leaders strategize for the future. 𝘗𝘢𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥  🔗 https://shorturl.at/y3ngj      When the Lights Go Out: America’s Retreat from Global Humanitarian Aid – The European Business Review  Patrick Reichert and Vanina Farber explore who will be hardest hit by the US’s withdrawal of funding for global humanitarian efforts and what it will take to get aid programs back on track.   🔗 https://shorturl.at/geVS7     Rise of the Chinese F&B chains: How Chagee, Mixue and Haidilao are conquering South-east Asia - The Straits Times  Mark Greeven writes about how tech-led business models are helping Chinese food and beverage brands change the rules of the game. 𝘗𝘢𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥  🔗 https://shorturl.at/yo2vZ      The uncomfortable truth is many businesses do not know what they are doing with AI - The National News  Amit Joshi explores the harsh reality that tech companies are yet to realize real value from their vast investments in AI.   🔗 https://shorturl.at/hzfka      US Court Ruling & Swiss Legal Hope?  – Time.News  Richard Baldwin is quoted in this article about the implications of the recent judicial findings on the illegality of US trade tariffs for Switzerland.  🔗 https://shorturl.at/uPbvw     IMD partners with KNOLSKAPE to bridge India’s Leadership Skill Gap – The Education Times  Mark Greeven is quoted in this article announcing IMD’s partnership with experiential learning company KNOLSKAPE to further extend the Swiss institute’s reach into leadership development in India.  🔗 https://shorturl.at/l4za8     U.S. tariff uncertainty delays economic ‘power’ Lutnick predicted – Bloomberg News and the Ottawa Sun  Simon Evenett comments on businesses’ response to the US Appeals Court’s tariff ruling last Friday.  🔗 https://shorturl.at/wUig4   Bühler und IMD gewinnen Brandon Hall Award für bestes Teamentwicklungsprogramm - LEADER – Das Ostschweizer Unternehmermagazin  Ina Toegel and Misiek Piskorski are quoted in this Swiss German language article on IMD and The Bühler Group’s recent Brandon Hall Group Award win for best team development program.  🔗 https://shorturl.at/uwjFj     👉 Swipe below for a snapshot of who said what.     #IMD #IMDImpact #IMDInsights #InTheNews #MediaRoundUp 

"Building Global Resilience through Behavioural Science" was the title of my talk at FAO's Behavioural Science Office Hours on August 6th. The key insights: - Finance in the enabling factor; in rural areas, access to financial tools and resources such digital payment methods, and financial knowledge and skills to use this knowledge are the foundation of financial resilience. - Psychological resilience manifested through the ability to deal with stress, personality and low propensity to suffer from mental disorders aligns with better financial resilience. Mental health is important for dealing with finances. - Social capital, such as friends and family play a crucial role in mediating financial resilience. The people within a person's social network and their community are the source of financial information, they pose examples of financial behaviours and provide a cushion in case of a financial shock. - Financial and psychological resilience influence adoption of new and omnipresent financial technologies because different people use the same tools in different ways. - These findings hold for Western and Eastern cultures. Building global resilience in today's digitalised world must account for psychologically heterogenous population and the social links with this population. Very big "thank you" to Cortney Price Julia Hammann and Grace Kamau for the invitation! #behaviouralscience #scienceinpractice #scienceexplained #resilienceresearch #sciencecommunication ETH Zürich Future Resilient Systems (FRS) Singapore-ETH Centre

🔳📗 HOW DEVELOPING COUNTRIES CAN NAVIGATE A COMPLICATED AND CONSEQUENTIAL EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT/ 🌎📘 发展中国家如何应对复杂严峻的外部环境 / 🗺️📙 LA VOIE À SUIVRE PAR LES PAYS EN DÉVELOPPEMENT POUR TIRER LEUR ÉPINGLE DU JEU DANS UN ENVIRONNEMENT COMPLEXE AUX ENJEUX CONSÉQUENTS. 🗺️☑️ 🔳💠 KEYNOTE address by Dr. Mohamed El-Erian during “ABCDE 2025“ / Source: “Let's Talk Development” (World Bank Research Findings). July 29, 2025. (*) 🌾 _____ 🔲 “WE ARE IN A PERIOD of lower global growth, increasingly uncertain and fragmented supply chains, a volatile tariff regime, significantly reduced aid flows, less predictable foreign direct investment inflows, and unsettled international bond markets. Naturally, the impulse and much of our collective focus have understandably been on the sources of these adverse shocks. This immediate analytical lens is, of course, crucial. But it should not be at the cost of two other equally vital lines of inquiry…” […] 🔲 “I WILL […] RE-EMPHASIZE the profound two-sided nature of the seemingly endless series of technological innovations that we are privileged to witness as human beings. ON ONE SIDE, these innovations offer unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize productivity, transform social services, and unlock new pathways to inclusive growth.  ON THE OTHER SIDE, lies a stark warning. If developing countries fail to put decisively in place the foundational conditions necessary for the efficient and equitable diffusion of such innovations throughout their economies —starting, crucially, with the bedrock sectors of health and education— they will inadvertently cement a destructive process of reverse convergence. This means that instead of catching up to advanced economies, they will fall further behind, deepening inequalities within and across nations, and exacerbating the fragmentation of an already unstable global order.” 🌾 (*) ACCESS. English Français العربية 中文:  https://lnkd.in/eXipBBTD 📌 🔷 ACCESS TO “ABCDE-2025”: https://lnkd.in/eSaUmtVh 📌 _____ 🔲 DR. MOHAMED EL-ERIAN is President of Queens’ College Cambridge, Chief Economic Advisor at Allianz, and Chair of the Gramercy Funds. […] Dr El-Erian: (A.) has two New York Times’ best sellers (the 2008 ‘When Markets Collide’ and the 2016 ‘The Only Game in Town’) and A Times’ Top Ten (the 2023 “Premacrisis”); and (B.) was named, four years in a row, to the Foreign Policy list of Top Global Thinkers. (LinkedIN: https://lnkd.in/ed_2wvwM) _____ 🎨 Illustration. “Chicharronero” (An informal street vendor. Main square-Morelia-MX). Art piece by Fco. R. OÑATE. Artist from Morelia-MX (1940-2019). _____

Interesting take by Duncan Green on research impact: https://lnkd.in/gaa_Witt While the message feels familiar, it’s an important reminder—impact isn’t built on a single study but on a body of work over time. I often emphasize to researchers that being an influential scientist requires sustained engagement, not just one breakthrough paper. The article also brought back the concept of the “policy entrepreneur”—someone who actively builds alliances. I’d add that these alliances shouldn’t be limited to academia. In today’s challenging funding environment, researchers with diverse networks united by a common goal are often the ones who achieve the most. Thanks Eleanor MacPherson PhD for highlighting this article.

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 “𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵” 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱! 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁! I have seen both seasoned and new entrants use this term. Whether it’s on social media, in the news, articles, reports or even in academic papers. But to what extent is the term “Global South” still meaningful or appropriate? Because a lot of us could argue otherwise. It started as a softer alternative to older, colonial labels like “Third World”. But over time, it’s become problematic. Here’s why: ⬇️ 👉 Geographical inaccuracy: Not every country in the so-called “Global South” is geographically south. And yes, I know this term was less about geography and more of a descriptor for economic and development status. But the devil is usually in the details. 👉 Over generalisation: It groups countries with vastly different realities under one umbrella. This erases diversity in political systems, income levels and development trajectories. Surprisingly, some of the indicators we use to measure development. 👉 Reinforces power imbalances: “Global North = developed, “Global South” = developing & struggling. In reality, power and wealth are shifting. Countries like 𝙲̶𝚑̶𝚒̶𝚗̶𝚊̶ and even South Africa don't fit neatly into the “poor south” framing. 👉 Colonial undertones: This term erases agency. It sidelines national knowledge, leadership and innovation and measures countries against Western or “Global North” standards. So, we are seen as the perpetual “others” always trying to catch up rather than recognising our own contribution in shaping development. This whole Global South narrative frames entire populations through a deficient lens: poor, fragile and waiting for help! Perhaps we need to speak with more accuracy and respect. ✅ Instead of “Global South”, how about: -         Regional identifiers like Sub-Saharan Africa, East African Region, South East Asia…..to avoid sweeping statements. It’s 2025; we should at least know where we each belong on the map. Or -          Actually, calling countries by name! Like Uganda, India, Zambia (crazy idea, I know!). In development, the language we use matters. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆; 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝘁. The framing theory argues that the way we present issues (frames) influences how people understand and respond to them. So, the words we use shape how communities are seen and how solutions are designed. To shift power and change mindset, we must begin with the stories we tell and the words we choose to use. 🎤 Thank you for coming to my TED Talk! Signed, your fellow development worker 😁 💡 Bonus: 📖Read: White Saviourism in International Development by Themrise Khan for some perspective. 💬Other development terms to rethink are in the comments. Before you shoot me, pause, reflect… and then drop a comment. Which word will you retire first? ♻ Repost if you agree. ➕ Follow for communication tips.

Really thought-provoking read - I’ve definitely used ‘Global South’ before as a supposedly more-progressive alternative to ‘Third World’. Language matters hugely in the development sector as it can so easily reinforce unequal power balances & condescending stereotypes. Thought this might be interesting - Marcia Banasko (she/her) Elsa Chemin 🙌🙌

For an emerging development worker like myself, it's great to come across analyses like this. They are important and often overlooked. I fully agree: "𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’ 𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆; 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝘁." Let's see reality with awareness! 💬 “White saviorism does not prioritize impact but rather intentions.” from 📔 White Saviorism in International Development by Themrise Khan, Kanakulya Dickson, and Maïka Sondarjee, which I finally bought a few weeks ago. Recognizing white saviorism, even when unconscious, even when hidden in good intentions, is essential for development workers to fit into a complex puzzle such as international cooperation. 

[Call for Proposals] Routledge Studies in #Entrepreneurship and #Innovation in the #GlobalSouth The Routledge Studies in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Global South series responds to a critical need for research that captures the complexity, resilience, and transformative potential of entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. Existing literature is still dominated by Global North models and frameworks that often fail to capture the unique socioeconomic, political, cultural, and environmental contexts shaping entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Global South. This series fills that gap by providing a dedicated platform to highlight: Indigenous knowledge systems and decolonial business practices; inclusive and sustainable innovation models; gender, youth, and community-led entrepreneurship; and digital transformation, financial inclusion, and climate-resilient enterprises. The series promotes interdisciplinary and decolonial research agendas, featuring contributions from both early-career and established scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. If you have an idea for a proposal for this series, we’d be delighted to hear from you - please contact Alex Atkinson, Routledge Commissioning Editor at alexandra.atkinson@informa.com

I am no expert in global economics or geopolitics, merely a layman who tries to follow world affairs as a responsible citizen. Yet, one question continues to trouble me: ✅Why is India, now the fourth largest economy in the world, still perceived to be at the mercy of bigger powers such as the United States, China, the European Union, or Russia? ✅And will we ever be able to rise beyond this shadow to establish ourselves as an independent pole in the global league? The answer lies in both our strengths and our limitations. India has undoubtedly grown in economic size,technological capability,&diplomatic stature. Our voice is increasingly heard at forums like the G20, BRICS,& the UN.We have demographic strength, a robust services sector,& a reputation for democracy and soft power. Yet, we remain dependent on external powers for several critical reasons. First, our economic structure is still fragile. While we boast of being the world’s IT hub and a rising manufacturing base, we continue to rely heavily on imports for energy, high-end technology, defence equipment,&even critical minerals. The U.S. and Europe dominate our trade in services,China controls supply chains, Russia remains vital for defence,& the Middle East for energy. Such dependencies limit true autonomy. Second, our infrastructure& innovation ecosystem still lag behind. To match the scale of the U.S. or China,India needs not just growth but sustained investments in education, research,&industrial competitiveness. Our startups shine in pockets,yet we lack globally dominant technology companies or defence manufacturers that can anchor true strategic independence. Third, geopolitical realities tie our hands. Unlike the U.S. protected by oceans, or China with a centralised state, India lives in a volatile neighbourhood—border disputes with China, terrorism from Pakistan, & instability in the Indian Ocean. This forces us to seek partnerships & alignments with major powers, often appearing dependent rather than equal. Fourth, internal weaknesses—bureaucratic red tape,political polarisation, income inequality,& social fault lines—slow our progress. Unless we resolve these, our economic scale will remain deceptive&our global clout limited. Can we rise as a separate power? The answer is yes—but not by rejecting global partnerships. Strategic autonomy in today’s interconnected world does not mean standing alone; it means engaging on equal terms.India must reduce critical dependencies, build technological&defence self-reliance, and strengthen internal governance. Only then will we not just be counted among the largest economies,but also among the decisive powers shaping the global order. As a citizen, I feel the gap is not in our potential but in our execution and unity of purpose. If we can convert size into strength, and aspiration into action, India will no longer remain under the shadow, but will itself cast a defining shadow on the global stage. #india #sandipchowdhry #worldeconomy

I am very curious about the factors that drive the economic growth of countries. Unfortunately, during my student years I paid little attention to economics, so now I’m catching up in adulthood. Today I want to share with you a couple of illustrative examples. But before we begin, remember that the global economy is a rather complex system. Nobody knows all of its interconnections with certainty, so unexpected effects are always possible. Still, it is useful to understand how individual factors can have an impact. https://lnkd.in/d3XPeRYG