The Scrabble theory of growth
The Scrabble theory is used to describe economic complexity for countries. “Letters” can be equated to “expertise” and “combinations” can be equated to “innovations”. The theory dictates that the more
- February 12, 2013
- Alan Knott-Craig
3 reasons why Indonesia is cooking…
After the Asian financial crisis of 1998 which culminated in Suharto’s departure, the Indonesian economy contracted by over 13%. Yes, 13%… That’s quite hectic! Since then Indonesia has managed
- February 12, 2013
- Alan Knott-Craig
Wages in SA vs China
According to recent reports, wages in the productive (mostly coastal) regions of China have climbed to $500pm. That is about R4,500pm versus the South African minimum wage of approx.
- February 12, 2013
- Alan Knott-Craig
Angola is in a tricky place
Population approx. 20mil. Plenty oil. Plenty mineral resources. A couple challenges. The population is rapidly urbanizing, creating big traffic and accommodation problems in Luanda. The government is
- February 12, 2013
- Alan Knott-Craig
Cry for Argentina
In a follow-up to my Venezuela’s Woes post, I thought I’d touch on Argentina’s current dire situation. Since going bankrupt in 2002, Argentina has enjoyed a brief resurgence followed
- February 11, 2013
- Alan Knott-Craig
Venezuela’s woes
The great thing about traveling is that I’m reminded that South Africa is not alone in confronting challenges, both political and economic. Take Venezuela for example. Its president, Hugo
- January 30, 2013
- Alan Knott-Craig
Conversation between my 4 year old daughter and her teacher…
In a couple days, my wife and I are leaving for the States for a 2 week “business” trip to see whats happening in the world. Clearly our 4-year-old daughter
- January 23, 2013
- Alan Knott-Craig
Touch the box
Chatting to a mate yesterday, we reflected on the spawning multitude of companies in SA that can provide you with cool web design services, whilst there is a dearth of
- December 31, 2012
- Alan Knott-Craig
USA vs SA 2012
Ok, so I’ve just finished a roadtrip though the USA: 41 days, 13 states, 10,000km. This is my 9th trip to the USA since 1999, during which I’ve worked,
- December 30, 2012
- Alan Knott-Craig
In defense of big families
You don’t really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around – and why his parents will always
- December 28, 2012
- Alan Knott-Craig
7 rules for RV’ing in America
RV rule #1: Be careful where you park. Parking spots are like the mafia. It’s hard getting in; it’s much harder getting out. RV rule #2: Be sure to
- December 28, 2012
- Alan Knott-Craig
Inflation in America
“The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency; the second is war. Both brings temporary prosperity; both brings a permanent ruin. But both are the refuge