The next 10 countries to watch
Where in the world will we look to next for clues about the future? Who will tell us how consumers will behave and what will inspire them? We've picked the 10 countries to watch for future direction and inspiration.
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Hyphenated AmericansUSA: race – the big issue
The Obama v McCain presidential race has thrown how we publicly discuss and address race and class into sharp relief this year. The cultural and economic results of racial cooperation, conflict and adaptation in America are enormous, and can be seen in everything from consumer behaviour to freedom of speech.
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China: Behind the business of Chinese contemporary artChina
The question now is what will the focal point for China be after the Olympic Games? How will the Chinese people deal with a post-Games identity crisis, as one of just a few communist countries in a capitalist world?
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ColombiamodaColombia
The focus on Colombia is no longer morosely political as recent high profile hostage releases see the political stalemate there easing and the country taking a step towards possible stability. Brazil's north-western neighbour is also nurturing a fashion and textiles industry with one of the most important fashion weeks for the Latin American market.
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Amsterdam International Fashion WeekThe Netherlands
It's time to go to Dutch again. Led by their capital city, the Dutch are rebranding themselves with wit and creativity. Excellent centres for innovation and design with a serious sustainable focus are now established alongside a fresh fashion industry to rival the Scandinavians.
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British Lifestyles 2008: Mintel reportUK, creative solutions to recession
Watch what happens in the UK as it dips into recession. Brits will deal with higher costs of living and falling house prices in a different way than Americans – expect the media and creative industries to analyse and idolise past glories to find solutions; and look out for new social and creative undergrounds and outrageous, decadent undercurrents.
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CSR Asia: summit 2007 reportIndonesia
In Asia the situation for corporate social responsibility (CSR) is changing dramatically and beginning to include environmental as well as social issues. The Indonesian parliament has passed a new law making CSR mandatory. Watch the implications across Asia as they define the law and create a shortlist of companies or sectors this applies to. Although the EU has directives on hazardous substances, only in Asia do we see governments and policy-makers legislating.
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Denmark
It's not just about cool Skandi fashion anymore. With conferences such as the Nordic Exceptional Trendshop organized by the Innovation Lab, creative telecommunications services such as TDC Play, and websites such as Copenhagenize.com, Denmark is important as a proud and vibrant gateway to Scandinavia.
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Countries to watch: the "Next 11"Egypt: battling conservatism
We're seeing a resistance in Egypt to the "Saudization" of its entertainment industries as the influence of conservative Saudi Arabia spreads to Egyptian culture and the arts. But we're watching countries like Egypt (whose economy is also growing at its fastest pace in 15 years) for the creative and consumer behaviour that pushes against this trend.
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Photofile - Tbilisi, GeorgiaGeorgia
Its tragedies in 2008 shouldn't distract us from seeing this country as a lesson in ambitious rebranding. Will high visibility networking, strident rhetoric and money to invest in powerful overseas lobbying pull it out of the political complexities and entrenched cultural environment that surrounds it?
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Summer art trend round-upFinland
Monocle editor Tyler Brûlé has described Helsinki as "a European capital with a foot firmly in Asia" and we're inspired by his affinity for the extremes of Japanese style mixed with "fennofolk". This Finnish art and design is often inspired by folk heritage and nature and combines Scandinavian simplicity with Slavic influences.
