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2019
The perils of ranking
Global lists are a key source of information for students choosing a university. But how relevant are they to the learning experience?
2018
No super-vegetables for Europe
The gene-editing tool CRISPR could help farmers overcome the challenges of malnutrition. But European legislation has closed the door to that technology.
The turbulent world of technological unemployment
Labour-saving advances usually increase both jobs and wages, but the unequal path of change can cause major friction.
Patrolling Europe’s low-altitude airspace
How do you keep the skies from becoming a giant, noisy, dangerous cloud of drones? Manufacturers and regulators are working on the answers.
Europe’s battle for more innovation impact
How can European countries become leaders of innovation? Two experts discuss the continent’s weaknesses and possibilities.
CRISPR scissors editing embryos
Genetic engineering is developing on human embryos, raising both hopes and ethical concerns.
Europe’s shortage of children
Births are falling across the continent – although not in France. Why do women working in tech have fewer kids? And why are there more premature births?
“We’ll be thankful for all the progress in healthcare”
Physician, businessman and writer, France’s Laurent Alexandre brings a range of perspectives to the challenges posed by such new technologies as artificial intelligence.
A boon for privacy, a headache for business
Europe’s new regulations protect user data. But they may also block information-sharing that affects health and safety.
Explaining the future
Faced with growing challenges, Europe can rely on its scientists to ensure its future competitiveness.
2017
The return of French Tech
A new technophile President and the inauguration of the giant Station F incubator are providing France with the visibility it needs.
Is big business gobbling up public funds?
A quarter of European research money goes to companies. As the EU drafts the next iteration of its Horizon 2020 programme, experts discuss the pros and cons.
The German cloud
The country is getting a lot of attention for its strict privacy laws. But is it the only option for a data-safe harbor in Europe?
The data disaster
Recent months have seen a major increase in cybercrime. But that’s not the only threat to our private information.
Six lessons from the Start-up Nation
With its 2,000 new high-tech companies, Israel has become the Silicon Valley of the Middle East.
Should english be the only language of science?
The playing field is not level, say the advocates of plurilingualism.
Invasion of the job snatchers
Make no mistake, the intelligent machines of the Fourth Industrial Revolution will lay waste to human employment – unless governments act.
Tackling the gender gap
New initiatives are helping women climb the ladder at technical universities.
How noise kills
Sound pollution has become one of the main health hazards in European cities. New technologies may provide some solutions.
Successful and resolutely European
Not every start-up wants to move to America. Here are four that have remained loyal to their home turf.
Europe sees the light
To reach their full potential, the most innovative European start-ups often have no choice but to let American giants buy them. But this is changing.
Keeping innovators at home
The European Commission turns its attention to four key aspects of the problem.
Where have all the start-ups gone?
America is all too attractive for Europe’s innovative technology, but there are ways to stop the haemorrhage.
Europeans who have returned
Home is not just where the heart is – increasingly, it’s also where you find the innovators, the money and the quality of life.
Opening up the echo chambers
Researchers look for solutions to address the distortion of online information.
2016
Rail safety: back in the spotlight
Trains are particularly safe. But IT bugs and problems with the signalling systems represent a constant security threat.
All Eyes on Sweden
Some of the most significant triumphs in online innovation, like Spotify and Skype, are Swedish creations.
Urban Mobility: is Europe too timid?
There are bright ideas for how to make our cities more fluid, but they won’t do much good unless decision-makers show more vision and courage.
Clearing congestion
It can be difficult to effect behavioural change in large cities, but Stockholm and London have shown that a well-conceived nudge will deliver results.
Blockchain: on the verge of revolutionising society
The technology behind Bitcoin holds immense potential that we’re just now beginning to fathom.
Bikes are back
Cycling is healthy and good for the environment – so no wonder bicycle use in some European cities has doubled since the early 2000s.
Searching for the future Galileos and Keplers
Will Europe ever be able to compete with Silicon Valley? The answer lies not only in our universities and research parks but also in our primary and secondary schools.
2015
Can you trust what you read?
Thanks to major European initiatives, scientific publishers are feeling the pressure to crack down on plagiarism
The russian legacy
As the big neighbour to the east rattles its sabre once again, Estonia is confident that its technology will allow it to survive, no matter what
Sharing: business or benevolence?
Everyone has heard of Uber and AirBnB, but they are not the only game in town. Some platforms are purely altruistic, some very capitalistic.
2014
“Stock-exchange listing is a marketing boon”
It’s a good way to raise money, but it can also hinder a company’s development, explains Tereza Tykvova.
Rise of the geek lawyers
How science fiction can inform a generally staid profession about the legal issues of the future.
“You have to be aggressive online”
Crowdfunding demands a well-planned communication strategy, explains Daniela Castrataro, co-founder of the Future of Crowdfunding conference.