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Engaging the private sector in the open data value-chain: An innovation imperative
Maurice L McNaughton
September 30, 2016

Of the five priority Action Areas emerging from the deliberations at the successful IODC 2015 in Ottawa, Canada (i.e., The Charter, Standards, Capacity Building, Measurement, Innovation), the latter—Innovation, otherwise described as the “Problem-Solving” Action Track — is perhaps, the most eclectic and least structured of the areas.

Whose responsibility is it # 12 - Social attributes that can negatively impact growth
James Moss-Solomon
September 25, 2016

In a previous article in this series I questioned the Business Confidence indices for the first quarter of 2016 that showed a positive jump in confidence. I wondered if this was influenced by the expectation of a General Election, a continuity of the then government, or a change of government. I have no definitive reason only intuition, for deciding between these possible influences, or other random answers. Since then several things have happened that serve to further confuse me.

Whose responsibility is it? # 11 - Trumpism, Clinton and the re-emergence of social consciousness
James Moss-Solomon
September 14, 2016

For those who thought that I was off the scene, think again. I have been observing the unfolding of international events that seem to be heading in a “CatasTrumpic” direction. Before the summer it was impossible to take any conversation in a direction that would even speculate on a Trump victory in the USA’s November elections.

Whose responsibility is it? #10: Of Brexit, ISIS, and Illusions of Greatness
James Moss-Solomon
July 17, 2016

For only the second time in my life I have been delaying sharing my thoughts in a more public way, and in writing, with persons who may have differing views. In both cases the problem is simply damned if I do, and damned by my conscience if I don’t. But in everything there is a responsibility, if only to encourage thought and discussion, towards taking a path that may encounter challenges.

 

Whose responsibility is it? #9 - A friend in need...
James Moss-Solomon
May 25, 2016

The Holy Bible has references to Nicodemus (a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin) coming to have discourse with Jesus in the night. It is indicated that they had some discourse on, and questioning of, the teachings of Jesus, and came reasonably soon after the “cleansing of the Temple with a whip”, an act done by Jesus. But realistically it was not the Temple that was cleansed (meaning that the whip was not a broom), rather it was persons doing wrong deeds that were removed forcibly. These thoughts came to my mind when I realized that President Maduro of Venezuela was paying a hastily arranged visit to Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago that did not follow the usual protocol of an official or State visit.

Whose responsibility is it? #8
James Moss-Solomon
May 10, 2016

I would like to follow up the discussion on the growth agenda that has continued to focus on the 5% per annum however that may be defined. The GDP measure is largely one that focuses on consumption and is essentially value-added recognition minus importation rather than a profit figure. It does not take into account whether or not we sell what we produce above or below the cost of production. So revenue growth may not be the same as increased profit. This is article is just an attempt at simplifying the discussion.

Whose responsibility is it? #7
James Moss-Solomon
May 1, 2016

Growth, growth, growth, the often repeated slogan/watchword/dream, is again on the lips of every political leader, business leader, and media practitioner and is the topic of the day. This should have been our continual focus for the last 50 years, but alas, it has been squandered as a nine day wonder, and more seriously as a nine night (a common prelude to a burial).

The New Beer Wars
James Moss-Solomon
October 14, 2015

The recent announcements of two sales/takeovers of companies in the markets are significant events with several implications for local and overseas consumers of brewed products. Overseas the conglomeration of the world’s No. 2 by the No. 1 (for 104 Billion) forms a giant array of leading brands in international markets, and locally the world’s No. 3 has taken over our local No.1. The strategies, methods, and philosophies of the deals will be important for understanding and predicting outcomes.

Making sense of US$3 trillion – Estimating the value of Open Data for Small Economies
Maurice L McNaughton
September 15, 2015

No matter what source you subscribe to, the numbers are staggering, when one considers the potential economic value of open data. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates approximately US$3 trillion value potential across 7 domains. The Warsar Institute for Economic Studies projects a contribution of €205 billion annually to the European Union. An Omidyar Network study suggests open data impact for the G20 countries could be US$2.6 trillion per annum or 1.1% of GDP. What does this mean for small developing countries like Jamaica?..

Innovation at the Periphery - A Caribbean Perspective
Maurice L McNaughton
March 10, 2014

The expression "Innovation at the periphery", has become more popular in the last few years and perhaps even over-used in several contexts. It describes technological innovations in seemingly remote geographical regions. It promotes the "skunkworks" innovation that takes place within an enterprise, but outside of mainstream R&D centres. It highlights indigenous frugal innovations that emerge out of developing country contexts, whose global adoption reverse the accepted convention of North-South technology transfer.