In 2016 it appeared that China had become a research powerhouse. In 2017 they discovered a problem. This is the story of how incentives can have unintended consequences. Chinese R&D In 2016, the numbers told a phenomenal story. China was…
Why It Helps to Have (Emoji) Standardization
We know that transactions are easier when weights and measures and times are standardized but do we need emoji standardization?
Debating Kenya’s Plastic Bag Ban
To hear a single-use plastic bag regulation debate, you could go to Kenya or NYC while Rwandans might be discussing their plastic bag black market.
Why Flood Insurance Creates Unintended Consequences
Flooding 34 times in 32 years, a $69,000 home in Mississippi received close to $663,000 in payouts. Similarly, for 16 floods in 18 years the owners of a Houston home valued at $115,000 got $800,000. The insurance industry calls them…
A Minimum Wage Surprise
While minimum wage momentum appears to have accelerated during November when voters approved new hikes, some recent surprises could indicate a reversal.
How Low-Skilled Immigrants Support Highly Skilled Women
In additional to debating the impact of immigration on less educated men, we should look at how highly skilled women are affected.
Throwback Thursday: Before the Baguette Crisis
Seeing the impact of French baguette deregulation, we can look back at the days when government guaranteed Paris’s bread supply.
Using Adam Smith to Cross the Road
Wondering why cars happily stop to let pedestrians cross the road on an island without traffic lights, we can find an answer from Adam Smith.
How a Social Score Gets You China’s Goods and Services
As China’s social scoring system develops, undesirable behavior like jaywalking could limit someone’s access to goods and services.
How the Post Office Makes No Cents
Thinking of postal service finances, you might picture Meyer Chuck, Alaska’s 25 residents receiving a weekly mail delivery.