Once living in a small town meant isolation and a lack of opportunity. That is all changing as remote, rural communities embrace the digital age and link up with the global economy.

The rise of smart cities in sub-Saharan Africa is causing ripples of excitement in technology circles, but while so much of the region remains cut off from power supplies and the most basic of infrastructure, just who will benefit from this smartening up?

Chile’s minister of finance talks about his country’s reputation for stability, the impact of China’s slowdown and the continued need for economic diversification. 

Providing IT solutions for back offices is not the most high profile of businesses to work in, and this goes a long way to explaining why New York-based software company IPsoft is little known outside its core market, despite having offices located around the globe. Will its focus on 'autonomics' bring the company out of its relative obscurity?

For decades, Cape Verde thought about little beyond attracting Portuguese-speaking tourists to the island chain. Now, however, it is widening its tourism appeal and, as the country's finance minister explains, making efforts to establish itself as a key location for shipping, ICT and service centres, among other sectors.

The city of Suzhou may be dwarfed by nearby Shanghai, but that has not stopped it from outperforming its neighbour when it comes to attracting investment, thanks largely to its appetite for innovation and willingness to embrace cutting-edge technology, particularly within its industrial parks.

Countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly keen to show off their tourism credentials to international travellers. But while visitor numbers are on the rise, the region's dated infrastructure and poor image are proving to be tough obstacles to overcome.

China’s ambition to compete with India in the global outsourcing market may be hampered unless companies can match their strategy to the industry’s growth areas, and invest in the skills of its people. Duke University’s Arie Lewin shares the findings of a survey that assesses its progress.