Analyzing large data sets--so-called big data--will become a key basis of competition, underpinning new waves of productivity growth, innovation, and consumer surplus as long as the right policies and enablers are in place. Research by the McKinsey Global Institute and McKinsey's Business Technology Office examines the state of digital data and documents the significant value that can potentially be unlocked. Big data will help to create new growth opportunities and entirely new categories of companies. Many of these will be companies that sit in the middle of large information flows where data about products and services, buyers and suppliers, consumer preferences and intent can be captured and analyzed.

Big data: The next frontier for innovation, competition, and productivity

Business & Money

Manyika, James

Global Institute, McKinsey

Chui, Michael

Management & Leadership

McKinsey Global Institute

Latin America is the most urbanized region in the developing world. The region’s 198 large cities (with 200,000 or more inhabitants) together contribute over 60 percent of GDP today; the ten largest cities alone generate half of that output. This new research, conducted by the McKinsey Global Institute, finds that cities will be critical to the region’s economic performance, but Latin America has already reaped the easy gains from urbanization. Many of the largest cities are grappling with traffic gridlock, housing shortages, and pollution, all symptoms of diseconomies of scale. Action to reform and develop not only these cities but rapidly growing medium-sized cities is urgent if Latin America is to create the more productive jobs in the formal economy to meet the aspirations of today’s young workforce. The region has only a narrow window of demographic opportunity—by the second half of this century, the region will see dependency ratios rising. The region could grow old before it becomes rich.

Building globally competitive cities: The key to Latin American growth

Dobbs, Richard

Cadena, Andres

Remes, Jaana

Roxburgh, Charles

Elstrodt, Heinz-Peter

Chaia, Alberto

Restrepo, Alejandra

Human Resources

The McKinsey Global Institute has compiled a comprehensive picture of Africa's employment landscape. This research includes quantitative analysis of available national employment data, a survey of more than 1,300 companies in five African countries, and interviews with dozens of business leaders and policy makers.

Africa at work: Job creation and inclusive growth

Leke, Acha

Lund, Susan

Fine, David

van Wamelen, Arend

Cabral, Armando

Taoufiki, Mourad

Dorr, Norbert

Schubert, Jorg

Economics

<p>The McKinsey Global Institute identities 12 rapidly advancing technology areas that have potential for economic disruption between now and 2025.</p>

Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy

Buguin, Jacques

Bisson, Peter

Marrs, Alex

Education & Reference

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