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41. Global microscope on the microfinance business environment 2011

Publication Date:
10-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, microfinance has begun to enter a more mature and sustainable growth phase. After years of rapid expansion, the focus has turned to accelerating the improvements already underway in corporate governance, regulatory capacity and risk management. Indeed, risk management, which has become a post-crisis priority for all financial institutions, has improved considerably in the microfinance sector, which is essential, given that it is offering an increasingly diversified range of innovative financial services to the poor. Efforts to strengthen the sector sit comfortably beside new opportunities; microfinance is well positioned to take further advantage of technological and market innovations and to build on improvements already underway.
Topic:
Economics, Markets, and Governance

42. Full speed ahead: The government broadband report Q3 2011

Publication Date:
10-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
As the third edition of our government broadband report shows, the issue of high-speed internet access remains at the forefront of the policy agenda in both developed and emerging markets. While circumstances and concerns differ from one country to the next, the motivations for public-sector involvement remain the same. Governments are keen to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas by bringing basic broadband services of between 1Mbps and 5Mbps to all. Yet governments also want to facilitate greater rollout of so-called next-generation networks (NGNs) that can provide broadband speeds of between 40Mbps and 100Mbps, and sometimes higher.
Topic:
Development, Emerging Markets, Science and Technology, and Governance

43. After €urogeddon? Frequently asked questions about the break-up of the euro zone

Publication Date:
11-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
Thirteen years since its launch, Europe's common currency is in crisis. A Greek debt restructuring is inevitable, and concern is now focusing on contagion among the larger euro area economies. The prospect of a cascade of disorderly sovereign defaults is chilling investors, and the departure of some members from the common currency is increasingly being discussed. The Economist Intelligence Unit's central forecast is that the currency area will survive, but the odds of failure are too high to ignore. To help clients anticipate the implications for their operations of a collapse in the euro zone, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ), exploring the potential scope and impact of a euro-area break-up. We look at what “break-up” could mean, although in practice numerous possible permutations exist between the extremes of departure by a single country and the exit of all 17 members.
Topic:
Economics, International Trade and Finance, Markets, Regional Cooperation, Monetary Policy, and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
Europe

44. Breaking new ground: A special report on global shale gas developments

Publication Date:
11-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
Worries about climate change are deepening in many countries. Proponents of gas, which burns cleaner than coal, suggest that it could be part of the answer—but preferably indigenous gas, for the sake of energy security. At the same time, even as energy demand surges ahead, the giants of the oil industry are finding it harder than ever to tap new reserves, which is forcing them to look to previously neglected, harder-to-reach hydrocarbons. Among these, hitherto disregarded shale gas reserves are generating the most enthusiasm.
Topic:
Security, Climate Change, Energy Policy, and Natural Resources

45. Democracy index 2011: Democracy under stress

Publication Date:
12-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
This is the fourth edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy index. It reflects the situation as of the beginning of December 2011. The first edition, published in The Economist's The World in 2007, measured the state of democracy in September 2006; the second edition covered the situation towards the end of 2008; and the third as of November 2010. The index provides a snapshot of the state of democracy worldwide for 165 independent states and two territories—this covers almost the entire population of the world and the vast majority of the world's independent states (micro states are excluded). The overall Democracy index is based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil liberties; the functioning of government; political participation; and political culture. Countries are placed within one of four types of regimes: full democracies; flawed democracies; hybrid regimes; and authoritarian regimes.
Topic:
International Relations, Civil Society, Democratization, Government, and Politics

46. Industries in 2012: A report from the Economist Intelligence Unit

Author:
Steven Leslie
Publication Date:
12-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
Business executives are sour about 2012. However, they are much more negative about the prospects for the global economy than for their own industries, and especially for their own companies. These are the headline findings from a global survey of more than 900 corporate decisionmakers about their expectations for 2012.
Topic:
Economics, Emerging Markets, Industrial Policy, International Trade and Finance, Global Recession, and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
Europe

47. A Summary of the Liveability Ranking and Overview

Publication Date:
02-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
The concept of liveability is simple: it assesses which locations around the world provide the best or the worst living conditions. Assessing liveability has a broad range of uses, from benchmarking perceptions of development levels to assigning a hardship allowance as part of expatriate relocation packages. The Economist Intelligence Unit's liveability rating quantifies the challenges that might be presented to an individual's lifestyle in any given location, and allows for direct comparison between locations. Every city is assigned a rating of relative comfort for over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five broad categories: stability; healthcare; culture and environment; education; and infrastructure. Each factor in a city is rated as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable or intolerable. For qualitative indicators, a rating is awarded based on the judgment of in-house analysts and in-city contributors. For quantitative indicators, a rating is calculated based on the relative performance of a number of external data points. The scores are then compiled and weighted to provide a score of 1–100, where 1 is considered intolerable and 100 is considered ideal. The liveability rating is provided both as an overall score and as a score for each category. To provide points of reference, the score is also given for each category relative to New York and an overall position in the ranking of 140 cities is provided.
Topic:
Economics, Education, Environment, Health, and Infrastructure
Political Geography:
New York

48. Japan's Economy after the Quake

Author:
Kilbinder Dosanjh
Publication Date:
03-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
The human cost Many companies (Sony, Toyota) have shut factories in affected area As much as 10% of national power production temporarily down Rolling blackouts will continue until end-April.
Topic:
Economics, Humanitarian Aid, and Natural Disasters
Political Geography:
Japan, Israel, and Asia

49. Webinar: Lower the floor or raise the ceiling? US fiscal and economic outlook

Author:
Leo Abruzzese
Publication Date:
04-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
A serious deficit-reduction debate is underway. Despite wide policy differences, this is encouraging and long overdue. Agreement on some basic steps may happen soon. A serious, long-term deal won't happen until after the election. A credible plan will require revenue increases. These won't come quickly or easily, but they are unavoidable, The debt ceiling will be raised, amidst much drama. The US will not default on its debt. The US economy is still recovering...but higher energy and food prices are creating headwinds.
Topic:
Debt, Economics, Global Recession, and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
United States

50. The Economist Intelligence Unit's Index of Democracy 2008

Publication Date:
02-2010
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Economist Intelligence Unit
Abstract:
The results of the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index 2008 confirm that, following a decades-long global trend in democratisation, the spread of democracy has come to a halt. Comparing the results for 2008 with those from the first edition of the index, which covered 2006, shows that the dominant pattern in the past two years has been stagnation. Although there is no recent trend of outright regression, there are few instances of significant improvement. However, the global financial crisis, resulting in a sharp and possibly protracted recession, could threaten democracy in some parts of the world.
Topic:
Civil Society, Democratization, International Political Economy, and Financial Crisis