The Conversation
Metropoles like Shanghai have survived and thrived in large part because of their massive populations. But what happens when people start to become a liability rather than an asset? Reuters/Aly Song

Can megacities survive the digital age?

Christopher H. Lim, Nanyang Technological University and Vincent Mack, Nanyang Technological University

Research shows that technology disrupts economies of scale, turning megacities' huge populations from strength to liability. To survive, megacities, like companies, must adapt.
The latest trend in the video gaming industry is the creation of “whales,” people so addicted to games that they spend their entire life savings to keep playing. A3250/_Oliver Berg

Addiction sector: Video games emulate casino

Joshua Krook, University of Adelaide

The video gaming industry has transitioned from a group of backyard innovators to an industry of multi-billion dollar companies.
Cyclists on Melbourne’s Obikes next to Federation square AAP

Bike-sharing a waste of space? Economics work

Sun Sheng Han, University of Melbourne

There is more to bike-share schemes than first meets the eye. As they grow in global popularity, the economic models behind them become increasingly diversified.
The impact of Airbnb varies from city to city and suburb to suburb. AlesiaKan/shutterstock

Who claims AirBnB’s impact on our cities?

Richard Tomlinson, University of Melbourne

About 10% of empty dwellings on census night – 1.2% of all housing – were available for rental and vacancy rates have changed little in 35 years. Could governments be overreacting?
Canadians are overwhelmingly opposed to insurance companies having access to their genetic test results. A new Canadian law prevents insurers from using genetic information to determine coverage or pricing. (Shutterstock)

Why insurers err on genetic discrimination law

Mike Hoy, University of Guelph

Canadian insurance companies argue that a new law denying them access to genetic test results will raise the cost of insurance for everyone. That's doubtful.
Canadian companies say there’s a shortage of skilled workers, but are they investing in training? (Shutterstock)

Is skills shortage real or are businesses to blame?

Jeff Boggs, Brock University

Canadian firms say there's a dire shortage of skilled workers. But recent studies suggest they're not investing in training, apparently expecting universities to train their employees for them.
Apple seeks out the high ground. EPA-EFE/APPLE INC. / HANDOUT

Apple gambles on its aspirational brand

Loizos Heracleous, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

The tech giant has doubled down on its strategy of exclusivity, but does it risk weakening its position in emerging markets?
Many accused Delta, shown here over Tampa in 2014, and other carriers of price gouging ahead of Irma, but it’s just business as normal. Drew Horne/Shutterstock.com

Consumer fleecing is the new normal

Ramsi Woodcock, Georgia State University

Some consumers were alarmed that airlines were charging thousands of dollars to get out of the hurricane's path. That's actually business as usual for more and more companies.
Disruptive technology is starting to transform our cities, societies and lives. Shutterstock

Smart cities present risks, opportunities

Sylvie Albert, University of Winnipeg

As disruptive technology increasingly enters our lives, it demands that we rethink and reorganize all aspects of work, life, and society.
Millions of Americans donate to relief efforts after natural disasters. MISHELLA/Shutterstock.com

U.S. generosity after disasters

Patrick Rooney, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Donations to relief efforts from corporations and celebrities may get the most attention, but they are exceptions.
A man shops for avocados at a Whole Foods Market in New York on Aug. 28. The splashy price cuts Amazon made as the new owner of Whole Foods has attracted some curious customers. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Amazon’s appetite for disruption

Sylvain Charlebois, Dalhousie University

Amazon has pledged to continue slashing prices at Whole Foods now that it's acquired the organic food mecca. Will that mean more affordable organic food for more people -- delivered overnight?

Editor's Picks

While office workers often worry they sit too long while on the job, research suggests standing at work increases the risk of heart disease. (Shutterstock)

Standing for work can double heart disease risk

Peter Smith, University of Toronto

Annoyed you don't have a sit-stand desk? Spare a thought for those workers who have to stand all day: Standing may double the risk of heart disease.
A Japanese man watches a TV news program on a public screen in Tokyo showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un amid reports the North Korean leader has inspected a hydrogen bomb meant for a new intercontinental ballistic missile. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Canada must take stand on North Korea

Charles Burton, Brock University

As North Korea ups the missile ante, it's time for Canada to take a meaningful stand against China's continued sly backing of its atrocious ally.
President Donald Trump reacts before speaking at a recent rally in Arizona. Trump, a politician who came from the business world, is facing intense criticism about his leadership abilities. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Is the word ‘leadership’ meaningless?

Nick Turner, University of Calgary

Is it time to put a moratorium on the meaningless word 'leadership?' In the business world, leadership now often simply means performing mundane managerial duties.
(Shutterstock)

Canada/China trade talks: Deep silence

Charles Burton, Brock University

Never mind NAFTA -- Canada's quiet efforts to boost trade with China should be ringing alarm bells given Chinese human rights abuses, and raises questions about whether Beijing has demanded secrecy.
New research suggests that members of ethnic minorities like advertising that features ethnic minorities – but only their own. (Shutterstock)

Why minorities prefer ads with white people

Mohammed El Hazzouri, Mount Royal University; Kelley Main, University of Manitoba, and Sergio Carvalho, Dalhousie University

Visible minority consumers prefer advertising that features white models to advertising that feature models from other ethnic minority groups. Why?
McDonald’s unexpectedly ended its worldwide sponsorship of the Olympics last month. Here Canadian gold medallist Alexandre Bilodeau gets a snack at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Scott White)

The Olympic-McDonald’s breakup

Laurel Walzak, Ryerson University

McDonald's recently ended a 40-year relationship with the Olympics. Was the decision based on the tarnished Olympic brand or were there other reasons?
High government taxes on legalized marijuana could push people back to the black market. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

Governments should keep weed taxes down

Arthur Cockfield, Queen's University, Ontario

The Liberal government is on the way to legalizing marijuana. They should keep taxes low to discourage the black market.

More

How we are different

10 reasons

Most Read past week

  1. Fierce debate roars to life over grizzly bear hunt
  2. The Deuce: Porn, nostalgia and late capitalism
  3. Standing too much at work can double your risk of heart disease
  4. Smart cities present risks, opportunities
  5. Pizza delivery by robot cars has arrived with big questions

Pitch an idea

Got a news tip or article idea for The Conversation?

Tell us

Our Audience

The Conversation has a monthly audience of 5 million users, and reach of 35 million through Creative Commons republication.

Want to Write?

Write an article and join a growing community of more than 56,100 academics and researchers from 2,157 institutions.

Register now