Independent Central Bank: The Modern Gold Standard 132.0
The Central Bank of the Philippines struggles for independence An independent central bank is the direct descendant of the gold standard. In fact, it is a very innovative replacement that is fit for our time. The key word here is “independent.” Independence allows central banks to exercise standard monetary policy focused on the value of [...]
Deficit Devalues Peso, Cuts Investment and Innovation 125.0
One of the main barriers to long-term foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Philippines is currency risk. With low FDI, the Philippines is deprived of a major source of intensive learning and innovation. Currency risk arises from the change in price of one currency against another. Every Filipino and his uncle seem to agree that [...]
Support our Innovative Entrepreneurs 123.0
Filipino companies and entrepreneurs hardly do any basic science-based research. All the while, I have thought this to be only because of the high cost and uncertainty of doing such research. I have come to realize that they know it is less risky (and more rewarding) to take opportunities from inefficiencies in the local economy [...]
Ayala Grabs Leadership in Mobile Banking for Microfinance 122.0
Ayala Corporation has obtained Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approval to convert Filipinas Bank into an innovative IT-oriented microfinance bank. The Philippine Star reported this in today’s (10.13.09) issue, BPI forms microfinance, IT-oriented bank. Global Innovation Leadership for Ayala. I predicted this to happen in my August 31 post, World Class Innovation: Microfinance as an Ayala [...]
Filipino Taxpayers, Be Ready for a Possible Reserves Grab at the BSP 119.0
Since we cautioned about the depreciating US$ just three weeks ago in our September 18 post, the Philippine peso has strengthened by 3.0% to PhP46.656 (closing rate, 10.8.09). As in October, 2007, this is a danger signal as some sectors like exporters, BPOs and OFWs will start to clamor for support from the rapid rise [...]
New Dangers Lurk as the US Dollar Depreciates 111.0
Three days ago, I heard a guest at Bloomberg call out that the US has become “a source of funds for the carry trade.” Since then, the drop in the value of the US$ and the improbable rise of the peso to PhP 47.70 to US$1 (closing today, 9/18/09) tend to support that claim. If [...]
Alternative Sources of Financing for Innovators 91.0
On the question, “If the financial returns are so good, why is everybody not doing the opportunities that I have identified in recent posts?” I generally hear one answer on the ground: lack of financing. There are funds looking for equity investments. There just seems to be some intermediation needed for the two parties – [...]
SALT Innovation to Recover Denuded Forests 90.0
SALT or Sloping Agricultural Land Technology is an innovation in agro-forestry developed in the 70’s to help stop erosion and rejuvenate our deforested slopes. The benefits to the country of its successful diffusion in terms of agricultural productivity and alleviating climate change effects are monumental. STI learning on agro-forestry for erosion prevention is ready to [...]
Crisis as Opportunity Gives More Power to the Strong 2 of 3
(Start of Part 2 of 3. From Post #64) Today, the European Chamber echoed my post on Monday, June 2 (See Post #64). The financial crisis presents opportunities from changing conditions that level the playing field to investors. Indeed, the government ought to take advantage of the crisis to initiate needed reforms to better position [...]
Crisis as Opportunity to Create an Army of Innovators 1 of 3
The goal of any government is growing wealth for its citizens and strength for the country. For the Philippines, this goal translates to a sustained 7% GDP growth per annum (that I derived in Posts #13 – #14). No administration has ever attained this goal in a sustained manner. The best way to do this [...]
Innovators Love a Stable Peso 1 of 3
Note: This post has been re-written in a more accessible and longer style. Please click here for link to Post 132, the better version. An independent central bank is the linear descendant of the gold standard; in fact, its very innovative replacement fit for our time. The operative word here is “independent.” By being independent [...]
Paul Romer Claims that Knowledge is the True Fountain of Wealth – 1 of 2
Paul Romer’s Endogenous Technological Change opens wide vistas Professor Romer will win the Nobel Prize for economics for Endogenous Technological Change (Oct 1990, JPE) within the next two years. That is my fearless forecast. For innovators, his paper has defined opportunities from a new category of products differentiated by embedded knowledge. Professor Romer will win [...]
