Goodbye Gruesome 2009

I want to close the year by drawing your attention to a few important pieces from 2009. The first is my Forbes Sneak Peek at the 2010 decade. Many of you have read and resonated with Capitalism’s Fundamental Flaw, Rich Vs. Poor Is Not The Right Debate, and India’s Next Celebrities. The sneak peek is a synthesis of those ideas, and an optimistic outlook on where we are headed.

Depressing realities are everywhere. Health Care’s Email Prescription talks about how the U.S. health care system is not even leveraging the basics of communication technology. But encouraging steps are also everywhere: Streamlining Innovation is a look at HP’s attempts to stop the “solution looking for problem” phenomenon in the research universe. Retailers: Embrace Web 3.0 looks at unlikely case studies of companies that have built thriving businesses in unsexy niches. And Reading Your Customers’ Minds highlights innovation that is truly inspiring, especially for an AI aficionado like me!

One last thought on the post-American world after reading Fareed Zakaria’s compelling book, which I strongly recommend.

In 2010, I will continue to research and highlight the issues of our times with an aim to inspire entrepreneurship, impact policy and public opinion, and bring your perspectives, insights, and ideas to focus. And I hope that you will continue to share your thoughts and ideas at this and other forums.

Meanwhile, I hope you had a relaxing and reenergizing holiday season, and I wish you a much happier 2010.