Issue 85, Winter 2016

In this issue
Cover story
- InnovationThe world’s largest innovators are shifting the focus of their R&D investments from products to programming. See also “How Non-Tech Companies Are Joining the Software Revolution — in Pictures."
- Global Perspective
Reconnecting Cuba
For international companies, the last Communist country in the Americas is a compelling market — if they have the right approach. See also “Frontiers of Prosperity: Cuba in Pictures." - Business Literature
Best Business Books 2016
For the 16th edition of our Best Business Books of the year section, we've assembled a team of learned, expert, and stylish guides. See also Best Business Books 2016 — in Pictures. - Marketing, Media & Sales
10 Principles of Customer Strategy
It’s no longer enough to target your chosen customers. To stay ahead, you need to create distinctive value and experiences for them. See also “A Guide to Customer Strategy”. - Innovation
Hugh Herr Wants to Build a More Perfect Human
At MIT’s Media Lab, an engineer and biophysicist — and double amputee — is designing prosthetics that connect body and brain.
Leading Ideas
- Healthcare
What Consumers Most Want from Health Insurers’ Technology
People don’t crave the latest fitness wearable. Their overwhelming preference is for simple applications that provide and organize information. - Innovation
Slow-motion automation
History shows that new technologies evolve faster than society adopts them. - Digital LeadershipStrategy & Leadership
Silicon Valley’s Farsighted Banker
SVB CEO Greg Becker on where and how the next big tech innovations will emerge. - Global Perspective
Drilling for New Sources of Growth
How members of the Gulf Cooperation Council can diversify their economies. - Strategy & Leadership
Management is all in the timing
The most successful leaders are highly aware of their colleagues’ pace and sense of urgency — and continually adapt to them. - Global Perspective
s+b Trend Watch: The Aging Workforce Is Pressuring Cities
Aging populations and slower birthrates are presenting challenges to cities around the world.
Essays
- Technology
The New Game of Global Tech
As distinctions dissolve among the hardware, software, services, and telecom sectors, companies are changing how they compete. - Marketing, Media & Sales
The Marketer’s Dilemma
To stay relevant, all participants in the vast marketing ecosystem must develop new capabilities.
Best Business Books 2016
- Business Literature
Pre-Suasion, Problem Solving, and Process Design
Pre-Suasion, Problem Solving, and Process Design - Business Literature
The Crisis Is Over: Welcome to the New Crisis
The Crisis Is Over: Welcome to the New Crisis
Thought Leaders
- Thought Leaders
Pro-LGBT Companies in Anti-LGBT Countries
A global study coauthored by NYU law professor Kenji Yoshino found a range of business benefits in promoting gender-identity rights.
Recent Research
- s+b Blogs
Serendipity in the Cloud
Shifting from physical to virtual data platforms can reduce companies’ costs and improve sustainability.