globalEDGE Blog Podcast

Are you a student or recent graduate looking for international travel and a chance to gain work experience while abroad? Check the recently updated International Internship Directory on globalEDGE. Disciplines include everything from marketing to engineering to public health.  Paid and unpaid positions are listed, as well as programs for college credit.  To access the page simply click here, or click the “Academy” dropdown menu from the homepage.

The Olympic Games is a storied athletic event that has taken place for centuries.  Since the inception of the modern-era Olympics in 1896, the event has only been canceled three times (1916, 1940, 1944)—all in times of world wars.  The 2020 Summer Olympics, which was set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, was postponed until this upcoming summer due to the barriers that the COVID-19 pandemic set in place.

Electric vehicles have been around since the late 1800s, but they have only recently been discussed as the next big thing in the automotive industry. With increasing performance and technology improvements, government support, and lower production costs, electric vehicles are expected to have a huge impact on the industry in the coming decades.

Notable strikes throughout the world are making significant changes and bringing awareness to market and business faults throughout different countries. This blog discusses the Indian Farmer strikes, the Alabama Amazon strikes, and the South Korea Courier strikes.

The globalEDGE team has completed its update of the U.S. Commercial Service Trade Contacts. Being a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, the U.S. Commercial Service functions as a global network with resources, market information, and international buyer connections. Now that each state’s trade contacts have been updated, business professionals throughout the world will have easier access to receiving trade expertise to assist with exporting. For anyone looking to make their first export sale or expand to new markets, look to the U.S. Commercial Service to align yourself with the connections to enhance your business. To find these updated contacts you can look here on globalEDGE and choose which state you would like, then click the Trade Contacts tab for that particular state.

As the United States welcomes President Joe Biden, he has begun at a quick pace changing policies and reforming some government-related issues. One of them was the oil industry's reformation, concerning the United States' large oil infrastructure, but a huge gain for environmentalists across our globe.

The World Economic Forum has put out the 2020 version of their publication of the Global Competitiveness Report.  Typically an assessment of the overall productivity and health of the world, its people, and its economy, this year's edition takes a special focus on the actions needed for revival and recovery amidst the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.  This report is unique, as it does not include the typical Global Competitiveness Index Rankings—which combine a variety of economic factors like stability, skills, and market size to rank the top economies—and instead focuses on how the world economy can heal and overcome some of its most glaring obstacles.

In the year 1760, the industrial revolution seized the attention of the world as rapid technological advancements were made nearly everywhere. With it came massive infrastructure development—and a heavy load of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Since then, the rate at which these pollutants have entered our atmosphere has only increased exponentially, with current levels more than 2x what they were in 1760, a potential recipe for disaster sometime in the future.

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of workers across the globe have been forced to work from home. Yet, when new obstacles are encountered, new opportunities are created. Companies and their employees have been taking advantage of the virtual workspace and incorporating video games, and video game-like aspects into everyday tasks.

Hong Hong’s 2019-2020 protests made international waves as the Chinese territory rioted and protested against Beijing-imposed national security laws.  This was mainly centered around an extradition bill that would allow criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China.  Seen as a major violation of democratic rights, this controversy remains unsettled to this day.  Meanwhile, the Chinese government has continued to infringe on Hong Kong’s civil liberties, prompting many Hong Kong citizens to explore leaving the country.