RT @realtalibkweli: A world economic system that depends on infinite growth cannot function on a planet with finite resources. #balladoftheblackgold

Great point. Which is why (1) innovation and (2) foreign investment are mandatory to keep our global economic system healthy and growing.

Innovation: Stretch “finite”. The context of innovation here is finding new ways to provide value and growth for a business or organization. Its about persistently looking outside the box (seeking opportunities and/or new markets) and inside the box (improving current processes or digging deeper to optimize current resources). Innovating provides a healthy growth rate, expansion of business opportunities and ultimately JOBS for the American people. Especially as the national employment rate teeters at about 9.7% (12.6% in California). Think beyond the what’s required of you and Disrupt the Status Quo!

Foreign Investment: To date, foreign investment by American corporations (also that of strong economies like Japan) have been primarily invigorated by the goal to stay competitively advantaged. Investing in things such as manufacturing overseas—where labor rates are, in comparison, peanuts to domestic labor costs—to spreading operations overseas to profit from foreign markets. It’s about cutting costs and make new money. But what about long term growth and stability?

Invest your resources in the areas where you see high potential (obviously). But help those economies grow—instead of drop-and-go “training” method—and be mindful of the culture that is not yours(!). Train them to be self-sufficient and motivated. Walk alongside them, not above them. All while staying socially responsible for your actions.

My point is, people often look at business and economics (especially during the global financial meltdown) and shake their head. There are many aspects that aren’t amiable. But. It is a global, now interdependent, system that needs answers, not the constant stream of problems. At home we need to reward creativity and innovation. Overseas we must strategize with ethics in the forefront of every decision. Don’t look through them, look to them with intention of helping them grow with you.

Always question. Then, find solutions.

Just some thoughts.