Summer Reads

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, information or innovation while you lie on the beach, you’ll find it in these 10 books and articles by Imperial College Business School faculty and partners. 

Summer is here and it’s a great time to catch up on some reading. Whether you’re interested in the latest trends in technology, management, innovation, education, economics, politics or sustainability, Imperial College Business School has something for you.  

Here are 10 books and articles that showcase the expertise and insights of our faculty and partners. 

1. Basic Metaverse: How Virtual Worlds Will Change Our Reality and What You Can Do to Unlock Their Potential

If you’re curious about the future of immersive digital environments and how they will transform business, entertainment, education and society, this book is for you. David Shrier, Professor of Practice (AI & Innovation), explains what the Metaverse is, why it matters, and how you can get ready for it.

2. How Chinese Companies are Reinventing Management

China is not only a global economic powerhouse but also a source of management innovation. In this article, recently chosen by Harvard Business Review as one of its 10 must-reads of 2023, George S. Yip, Emeritus Professor of Marketing & Strategy, and his co-authors reveal how Chinese companies are developing new ways of managing talent, strategy, innovation and globalisation. They also offer practical lessons for managers in other countries who want to learn from China’s success.

3. Restarting the Future: How to Fix the Intangible Economy

The intangible economy, which is based on assets such as software, data, design and branding, is reshaping the world. But it also poses major challenges for policymakers, businesses and workers. In this book, Jonathan Haskel, Professor of Economics and member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, and Stian Westlake, Executive Chair of the Economic & Social Research Council, propose a new agenda for addressing these challenges and unlocking the potential of the intangible economy.

4. Growing Green Awareness Gives Eco-Innovation a Competitive Edge  

Eco-innovation is not only good for the planet but also for business performance. In this article, Ralf Martin, Associate Professor of Economics, shows how firms that invest in green technologies and practices can gain a competitive advantage in the market. He also discusses the role of policy and regulation in fostering eco-innovation.

5. Co-Pilots: A New Way of Improving Hybrid Teaching for Everyone

Hybrid teaching, which combines online and face-to-face learning, is here to stay. But how can educators make it more effective and engaging for students and teachers alike? In this article, Omar Merlo, Associate Dean (External Relations), and James Eteen, Senior Teaching Fellow, introduce the concept of co-pilots: trained assistants who help instructors deliver hybrid courses. They share their experience of using co-pilots at Imperial and offer tips for other institutions that want to adopt this approach.

6. Political Cleavages and Social Inequalities: A Study of Fifty Democracies, 1948–2020

How do political parties represent different social groups in democracies? And how does this affect inequality and political stability? In this book, Clara Martínez-Toledano, Assistant Professor of Finance, and her fellow editors provide a comprehensive analysis of political cleavages and social inequalities across 50 democracies over seven decades. They identify four types of cleavages (class-based, religion-based, ethnicity-based and issue-based) and examine their evolution and impact on various aspects of democracy.

7. Antitrust Economics at a Time of Upheaval: Recent Competition Policy Cases on Two Continents

Antitrust economics is a vital field that deals with the regulation of markets and competition. In this book, Tommaso Valletti, Professor of Economics and former Chief Competition Economist at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Competition, and his co-editors bring together leading experts to discuss recent antitrust cases from Europe and North America. They cover topics such as digital platforms, mergers, cartels, and abuse of dominance, and offer insights into the theory and practice of antitrust economics.

8. Health Taxes: Policy and Practice

Health is not only a personal matter but also a major societal concern. But how can governments use fiscal measures to influence health outcomes and behaviours? In this book, Franco Sassi, Professor of International Health Policy & Economics, and his co-editors explore the subject of health taxes, i.e. taxes that target unhealthy behaviours and risks. They examine the positive and negative effects of health taxes, how they can be designed and implemented effectively, and why policymakers across government should care about them. They also offer practical guidance for anyone who wants to understand the potential of such taxes to improve health and wellbeing.

9. Climate Risks: An Investor’s Field Guide to Identification and Assessment

Climate change poses significant risks for investors and financial markets. But how can investors identify and assess these risks and incorporate them into their decision making? In this book, Bob Buhr, Honorary Research Fellow at Imperial College Business School’s Centre for Climate Finance & Investment, provides a practical guide for investors who want to understand and manage climate risks. He covers topics such as physical and transition risks, scenario analysis, carbon pricing, and disclosure standards.

10. Imperial Business 2023

This is the latest edition of the Imperial College Business School magazine, which showcases the achievements and activities of the School’s community. You can read about the School’s first undergraduate degree, economic policy in a time of plague and war, and consider what climate change really means for business.

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