Lily Chang, autor en Bean watcher

Jul

27

2026

How do firms price growth when capital is more expensive?

How firms allocate investment when growth capital is expensive

As the cost of capital climbs, pursuing growth transforms into something far more nuanced than merely investing additional resources to seize market opportunities. Elevated interest rates, constrained credit availability, and more demanding investor scrutiny compel organizations to fundamentally reassess the mechanisms through which growth gets valued, substantiated, and conveyed to stakeholders. The pricing of growth shifts into a deliberate strategic undertaking—one that weighs profitability against risk while prioritizing sustainable value generation over an indiscriminate pursuit of market share.The Meaning of “Pricing Growth”Pricing growth refers to how firms set prices, allocate investment, and communicate value in order to expand revenues and…

Jul

27

2026

By Lily Chang

Uruguay: CSR cases advancing renewables and inclusive quality jobs

Corporate social responsibility beyond philanthropy in Uruguay’s renewable energy sector

Social Responsibility

Uruguay is widely cited as a model for rapid decarbonization of power supply: driven by a mix of hydropower, wind, biomass and solar, the country moved from a historically fossil-dependent grid to one that routinely supplies more than 90% of electricity from renewable sources. This national energy transition created a space in which corporate social responsibility (CSR) evolved beyond philanthropy into strategic investments that link renewables, local development and inclusive quality jobs.Policy and finance enablers that shape CSRStrong public policy and predictable procurement shaped corporate behavior and CSR outcomes:Competitive renewable auctions: Government-organized auctions reduced market risk for developers and required,…

Jul

26

2026

By Lily Chang

What trends are emerging in carbon capture for hard-to-abate industries?

The growing importance of carbon capture in hard-to-electrify sectors

Science and Technology

Hard-to-abate industries such as cement, steel, chemicals, refining, and heavy transport account for a large share of global industrial emissions. These sectors rely on high-temperature heat, chemical reactions, or fossil-based feedstocks that are difficult to replace with electrification alone. As net-zero targets tighten, carbon capture has emerged as a central tool to manage emissions that cannot be eliminated through efficiency or fuel switching.Recent years have seen a shift from pilot-scale experimentation toward commercially oriented deployment. The trends below highlight how carbon capture is evolving to meet industrial, economic, and regulatory realities.From Single-Plant Projects to Industrial HubsOne of the strongest trends…

Jul

26

2026

By Lily Chang

How did 'Titanic' influence 1990s cinema?

How did Titanic’s historical accuracy influence 1990s film production?

Culture and Entertainment

Released in December 1997, James Cameron's Titanic became far more than a commercial triumph—it fundamentally altered the trajectory of cinema itself. The film's extraordinary achievements profoundly influenced production methodologies, corporate approaches to filmmaking, and what viewers anticipated from entertainment during the final years of the twentieth century and thereafter. Through careful examination of its multifaceted impact, we gain deeper insight into the enduring legacy that Titanic carved into the cinematic landscape of the 1990s.Technical Excellence and Production StandardsOne of Titanic's most significant impacts stemmed from its technical audacity. The production commanded a then-staggering budget of $200 million, establishing unprecedented benchmarks…