China leads the world’s lithium-ion battery production, especially in electric vehicles, since 2001. Despite its successes, it faces challenges of overproduction and price drops. China strengthens its supply chain for national security and self-sufficiency. Europe considers whether to directly compete with China in future battery technologies.
Educational governance in low- and middle-income countries is crucial to improve education. Intermediate actors, which connect central policies with schools, are often underutilized. The report highlights their importance to scale up educational innovations and suggests that governments share decision-making authority with them, training and supporting them to strengthen the education system.
The European Commission proposed the Horizon Europe programme for 2028-2034, highlighting the need to strengthen EU research and innovation. It aims to overcome the fragmentation and slowness of the current system with two new councils: one for Competitiveness and Security, and another for Global Societal Challenges. These new structures aim to strengthen dual research, industrial sovereignty, defence and economic resilience, as well as address global issues such as climate, health and biodiversity. These councils would support governance, rapid budget reallocation and avoid conflicts of interest. The proposal is considered essential for Europe’s technological relevance, security and global leadership.
Supply chains adapt to rapid changes through innovation, response to the climate crisis, and geopolitical shifts. The RETHINK-GSC research project, with over 30 researchers, develops new datasets on the role of knowledge, surveys companies on business strategies, models economic shocks, and studies related topics. Companies adjust their supply chains uniquely, with knowledge-sharing networks facilitating adaptation. Understanding the interconnection of goods trade and the knowledge economy is crucial. Innovation enhances resilience, linked to job growth and regional development. Despite challenges, supply chains evolve and resilience is achievable by strengthening the link between research and commercialization.
Climate change is an urgent concern for educational policy in the United States, where a dual crisis of declining educational outcomes and increasing climate impacts is being faced. The pandemic has exacerbated declining achievement and absenteeism. Strengthening the pre-K-12 system is essential for economic prosperity and innovation. Climate affects school operations and schools can reduce emissions, integrate climate science into the curriculum, and help with preparation.
