Articles
Potholes and Promises: Navigating America’s Infrastructure Rollercoaster
QBR editor Alex Chou explores the pressing issue of America's deteriorating infrastructure, evaluating its significance in the 2024 presidential election. By contrasting campaign rhetoric with actionable policy, the article assesses the current and future impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) under the potential leadership of either presidential candidate. Chou emphasizes the importance of critically examining each candidate's policy platform to determine the most effective path forward in securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the United States.
Quantum Leap: Unbreakable Data Security's Future
In an era where cyber threats are growing, quantum cryptography promises a new frontier of data security. Technology and Innovation Editor Liam Woolstencroft unveils how this innovative technology, rooted in quantum mechanics, is set to protect sensitive information like never before. From safeguarding financial transactions to ensuring the privacy of healthcare data, this article explores the groundbreaking potential of quantum cryptography and the challenges that must be overcome to make it a reality.
Driving into the Future: The Ethical Implications of Autonomous Vehicles
With the rise of autonomous vehicles comes the introduction of intricate ethical dilemmas posed by this technology. QBR Editor Ining Wei explores how the classic ‘trolley problem’ shifts from a philosophical thought experiment to a real-world challenge for developers, policymakers, and society. This article delves into the key ethical considerations surrounding autonomous vehicles, applicable ethical frameworks, the complexities of assigning liability, and the broader implications for the future of transportation.
Perovskite: Powering Next-Gen Solar Cells
Have you ever wondered how your home, bike, or car might be powered years from now? Senior Technology and Innovation Editor Isaac Moore provides an analysis of how perovskite, a synthetic semi-conductor in new solar cells, is supporting the creation of next generation solar panels. The article breaks down the solar energy conversion process, how perovskite changes it, and the challenges preventing the immediate success of the perovskite solar cells.
Open Banking: A Framework for Fintech Innovation
In this editorial, QBR Economics & Policy Editor Rishab Chakraborty discusses how information in the realm of financial services, markets, and intermediaries has traditionally been tightly regulated in a closed loop. This differs from traditional software, where consumer and behavioral data from non-financial institutions is typically unregulated in its use. However, with Open Banking reform coming to Canada’s regulatory data framework, we can see an uptick in innovation in the Canadian fintech space.
The Art of the SPAC
In this new article, QBR Sr. Advisor Joshua Cristofoli explores how SPACs are challenging the traditional IPO process, giving businesses a quicker route to the public markets and altering the financial landscape.
Eat the Rich or Stomp Out the Little Guy: A Roadmap to Capital Gains
In a detailed guide to the recent changes to Canada’s capital gains inclusion rate as part of the 2024 Federal Budget, Senior Economics and Policy Editor Gefen Shpil outlines the impact such changes would have on individual investors, Canadian industries, and the economy. This article seeks to uncover just how many Canadians will be impacted by the changes and, most importantly, whether the Liberals are truly targeting the “ultra-rich”.
The Race to a Perfect EV: Investigating Chinese Development and the Road Ahead
In this new article, QBR Editor Tomas Serrano investigates China's rapid advancement in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The article explores how substantial government support and innovative manufacturing have positioned China as a leader in EV development, despite challenges in global market penetration due to high tariffs and ethical concerns. Serrano contrasts China's progress with the slower growth in Western markets, emphasizing the impact of political and infrastructural uncertainties. As the world shifts from gas-powered cars to EVs, this analysis provides insight into the future of sustainable transportation and the lessons the West can learn from China's approach.
Duo, Please Let My Family Go: Tiptoeing the Extremes of Social Media Marketing
If good marketing looks like a green owl bossing people around, this may be the future. Duolingo's language-learning app showcases how mastering social media is not one-size-fits-all. QBR Editor Ninglee Weng discusses how consumer values are changing, and traditional tactics aren’t working. Companies are challenged with navigating new ways of marketing without doing too much, being branded cringe or not enough, and staying irrelevant; what’s the secret to going viral?
Sky’s The Limit: Soaring Costs in Canada's Aviation Industry
Exploring the “user-pay” cost structure used to fund Canadian air travel infrastructure, QBR Editor Simon Ing illustrates how lack of public funding passes premiums to consumers in the form of heightened airfare and ancillary fees. With high costs levied to airport authorities and airlines, which ultimately disincentivizes competition, the nationwide duopoly of Air Canada and WestJet hold dominant power within a highly consolidated industry. Though there are arguments for and against levying costs to fliers, a major shift towards public subsidization is unlikely to take place – exemplifying the role and ramifications of business strategy in our everyday lives.