Friday Fives

1. After Amazon’s HQ2 Retreat, New York State Lawmakers Target ‘Corporate Welfare’

Economic development incentives for large corporates have been the subject of much debate recently, sparked in part by Amazon’s search for a location for a second US headquarters, and the ensuing bidding war between cities across the country.

“We should be investing in technology companies that create real opportunities and add real value, instead of a monopoly designed to extract value from local communities,” New York Assemblymember Ron Kim.

Across the US a number of bills have been proposed to help regulate economic incentives. The bills include one that would limit the ability of the state or cities to enter into secrecy agreements with private entities; another would curb the potential abuse of the opportunity zone program; and yet another would require companies to submit a social and community impact statement for projects that receive above $1 million in public dollars before they’re allowed to break ground.

2. Huawei tipped to sell off 5G technology

As a counter to security concerns raised by the USA and others, Huawei’s CEO Mr Ren has proposed that they will sell their 5G technology to western countries. A one-time fee would give the purchaser access to Huwaei’s 5g patents, licences, code, technical blueprints and production know-how. Such a deal would help ensure Huawei gets its 5G technologies widely adopted.

Mr Ren told The Economist that a one-off sale of its 5G patents could create a viable competitor for Huawei. Read more here: https://www.economist.com/business/2019/09/12/ren-zhengfei-may-sell-huaweis-5g-technology-to-a-western-buyer

3. ImpactAim Indonesia

Silicon Valley venture capital seed fund and accelerator 500 Startups has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Indonesia to launch ImpactAim Indonesia. The social impact and growth accelerator aims to support entrepreneurs to scale their impact and focuses on tech-enabled ventures that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read more here: https://500.co/impactaim-indonesia/

4. America’s Cup Innovation

Auckland is gearing up to host the 36th America’s Cup in 2021, and we were lucky enough to see Emirates Team New Zealand’s newly launched AC75, Te Aihe (Dolphin), out on the water earlier this week. It’s estimated that a team of 65 people and over 100,000 man-hours have gone into the design and building of Te Aihe. The new AC75 class of boat has been designed to push the boundaries of innovation and technology, and sees the return to monohulls after the catamarans used for the previous two America’s Cups.

Watch the AC75 design concept revealed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx2qG_YMrDs

5. The design of Burning Man just keeps getting more ambitious

Take three minutes out of your day today and watch this stunning video that gives a sneak peak at the incredible works of art at this years Burning Man.
Watch here: https://www.fastcompany.com/90401284/the-design-of-burning-man-just-keeps-getting-more-ambitious

Tracy MoyesSeptember 12, 2019Comment