It would gain enormous processing power through the ability of quantum systems (such as a collection of atoms) to be in many different states at once.

FORBES: Nanotech On The Front Lines

Hopefully this good karma will spread through Sony, and also through the smartphone world, because the rise of new operating systems such as Firefox OS almost demands a playful nature from handset manufacturers.

FORBES: Sony's Lesson In Winning Friends And Smartphone Hackers With Firefox OS

Accenture's researchers are also dreaming up ways for the elderly to share digital scrapbooks online with their grandchildren, and smart systems that talk you through simple home-improvement tasks, such as installing a new light fixture.

ECONOMIST: MONITOR

That has required regulators to upgrade their surveillance systems, which sort through trading records to find suspicious patterns around corporate events such as takeovers or earnings reports.

ECONOMIST: The fight against crooked trading gathers pace

Companies must maintain "good housekeeping" during a recession, such as product quality and good distribution systems, but he suggests that clear brand association and leadership comes through communication.

FORBES: Magazine Article