Intangible assets — assets without a physical form, such as data — may be crucial for the economy’s post-pandemic rebound. Researchers from McKinsey have discovered that the companies that grew the most during the pandemic invested in intangible assets nearly thrice that of other companies. They warn, however, that investing in intangibles is not enough; what sets these top growers apart is their proactive use of these assets, such as using data to personalize their customers’ experiences.
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Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here