When sitting in seminars, I now count the number of minutes until the speaker first mentions the word ‘institutions’. Usually this doesn’t take long.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is often seen as the best way to boost the economies of developing countries. But this is only true under strict conditions. If those conditions are not met, FDI can even hamper economic development.

Nanotechnology promises revolutionary solutions for all kinds of problems. At this early stage it is possible to outline the applications of nanotech that could contribute to development and poverty reduction, and the dilemmas that might emerge. Whether developing countries will really benefit will depend on science and research policies in both the South and the North.

What can be done if the government of a fragile state or a rebel movement neglects or threatens to destroy a country’s cultural heritage? While ‘temporary’ safe havens are now accepted as a solution to the problem, many museums are refusing to return stolen pieces of art.