Monthly Archives: October 2026

From Human Capital to Human Potential: Rethinking Our Value in the AI Era

For generations, education has been seen as a pathway to better jobs, higher earnings and economic security. But what happens when machines can perform tasks that once required years of university training? As artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, the value of human knowledge and qualifications is being questioned, raising fundamental concerns about how societies should prepare people for the future.

In an article published on September 12, 2026, in ECNU Review of Education, researcher Yilei Shao challenges traditional economic thinking about education. With AI providing sophisticated knowledge and problem-solving capabilities on demand, academic credentials may no longer offer the same assurance of professional competence.

The paper revisits educational and economic theories associated with five Nobel Prize-winning scholars, identifying assumptions that have long shaped education systems. These include predictable financial returns from schooling, gradual depreciation of skills, individual ownership of expertise, the credibility of academic qualifications and the broader social benefits of education.

AI, Shao argues, is disrupting these assumptions simultaneously. More years of schooling no longer necessarily guarantee greater economic rewards, while skills can become outdated surprisingly quickly. Expertise is increasingly shared between humans and machines, qualifications may become weaker indicators of ability, and technology companies can capture economic benefits from knowledge contributed by others.

To explain this changing landscape, Shao introduces “Intelligence Surplus”, describing the collective intelligent capabilities available to society beyond its immediate needs. Unlike human capital, which focuses on individual knowledge and skills, Intelligence Surplus encompasses human abilities, AI technologies and the institutions governing their use.

The concept has three dimensions: embodied intelligence, reflecting people’s ability to collaborate with AI; objectified intelligence, represented by technological systems; and institutionalised intelligence, involving the rules, standards and governance structures that guide their responsible use. Together, these resources could strengthen society’s capacity for innovation and adaptation.

Yet the paper suggests that intelligence itself may no longer be the most valuable scarce resource. Instead, the ability to transform human experiences, values and judgement into meaningful contributions within AI systems could become increasingly important. Shao calls those performing this role “First Compressors”, emphasising uniquely human capacities rooted in relationships, empathy, care and interpretation.

This shift calls for education to move beyond simply producing employable graduates. Shao proposes treating education as “intelligent infrastructure” that develops technological and humanistic literacy, encourages lifelong learning, supports human-AI collaboration and establishes institutions capable of managing intelligent technologies responsibly.

Ultimately, the paper raises a question that extends far beyond employment: What should education help people become? Drawing on philosopher Hannah Arendt’s ideas about human activity, Shao argues that education must nurture judgement, responsibility, compassion and the ability to create meaning. In a world where machines can increasingly supply intelligence, humanity’s greatest value may lie not in what we know, but in how we use our uniquely human capacities.

More information: Yilei Shao et al, Intelligence Surplus: Economics of Education After Human Capital, ECNU Review of Education. DOI: 10.1177/20965311261485586

Want to See More Women CEOs? Look at How Companies Are Organised

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For women aiming for the top job in corporate America, talent and experience may not be enough. How a company is organised could play a crucial role in determining who reaches the executive suite, according to new research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Despite progress in recent decades, women still occupy fewer than 10% of CEO positions at S&P 500 companies. As recently as 2015, more men named John were running major American companies than women, notes Ulya Tsolmon, associate professor of strategy at UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management. The gender gap, she says, remains enormous.

The study, published in the Strategic Management Journal, suggests that company structure may help explain why women struggle to reach the top. Researchers found that female managers working in companies divided into separate business units were significantly more likely to become CEOs than those employed by businesses operating as a single entity.

The difference may come down to something surprisingly simple: accounting. When managers oversee divisions with their own revenues, expenses and profit-and-loss statements, their performance becomes easier to measure. Clear financial results make it harder for achievements to be overlooked or credited to someone else, potentially reducing the influence of subjective judgments and unconscious bias.

“It’s clear who has led the unit,” explains Tsolmon, who conducted the research with Tingyu Du of California Polytechnic State University. Having separate financial records makes it easier to identify who delivered results, giving capable managers a clearer opportunity to demonstrate their leadership abilities.

To investigate, the researchers examined 25 years of personnel records covering 616,754 managers at 49,135 American companies between 1993 and 2017. They found that women working in firms with multiple business units had a 37% higher probability of being promoted internally to CEO than women at stand-alone companies. Men, meanwhile, experienced slightly lower promotion prospects in firms organised into divisions.

However, the findings do not mean that companies can automatically improve gender equality simply by reorganising their operations. The researchers emphasise that the study identifies an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It also leaves unanswered questions about whether women receive the same opportunities as men to lead important business divisions in the first place.

Company structure involves trade-offs. Businesses with separate divisions typically delegate greater responsibility and evaluate managers against measurable outcomes. More centralised organisations, however, may depend more heavily on internal relationships, established hierarchies and personal influence. Such environments could disadvantage women who have fewer opportunities to enter influential professional networks.

For Tsolmon, the findings highlight an often-overlooked dimension of workplace inequality. Organisational structure does more than determine how efficiently a business operates; it also shapes how employees’ achievements are recognised and rewarded. Further research is needed to understand where gender disparities emerge along the career ladder and how performance visibility influences advancement. Until those mechanisms are better understood, she cautions, finding effective solutions will remain difficult.

More information: Tingyu Du et al, Firm divisionalization and the gender gap in CEO promotion, Strategic Management Journal. DOI: 10.1002/smj.70128

Journal information: Strategic Management Journal Provided by University of Massachusetts Amherst

AI Replacement Fears Could Trigger Negative Behaviour Among Workers

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As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and raises questions about the future of employment, a new study suggests that fears of becoming obsolete may have an unexpected consequence: employees becoming less committed to workplace rules and more willing to engage in misconduct.

Researchers at Washington State University found that workers who worry about AI threatening their occupations are more likely to justify inappropriate behaviour, including arriving late, wasting company resources or neglecting responsibilities. The findings, published in Occupational Health Science, suggest that anxiety about technological disruption could undermine workplace relationships, productivity and organisational effectiveness.

Led by Tahira M. Probst, a psychology professor at Washington State University Vancouver, the study examined employee attitudes and behaviours across 18 industries. Researchers explored how concerns about occupational insecurity, combined with the likelihood of AI disrupting particular industries, influenced workers’ willingness to disregard workplace expectations.

Unlike traditional job insecurity, which involves fears of losing a particular position, AI-related occupational insecurity raises the possibility that an entire profession could disappear. A bartender who loses a job, for example, may find similar employment elsewhere. However, workers in occupations increasingly performed by automated systems, such as medical transcription, may face far fewer opportunities to continue their careers.

To investigate these concerns, researchers combined survey responses with the AI Industry Exposure index, which estimates how extensively artificial intelligence could affect tasks within different industries. Finance and insurance ranked among the most exposed sectors, while agriculture and forestry faced comparatively lower exposure. The researchers found that employees concerned about their occupational futures reported greater levels of moral disengagement, particularly in industries vulnerable to AI disruption.

Moral disengagement occurs when individuals rationalise actions they would otherwise consider unacceptable. Employees feeling threatened by technological change may begin viewing workplace misconduct as justified, perhaps believing they deserve compensation for perceived unfair treatment or that bending the rules is necessary for self-protection. This psychological shift was associated with more self-reported counterproductive behaviours, including personal internet browsing during working hours and arriving late for shifts.

The relationship was particularly pronounced in highly AI-exposed industries such as finance and insurance, but weaker in sectors including forestry and construction. Probst warned that such behaviours can have consequences beyond individual productivity, placing additional burdens on colleagues, damaging professional relationships and interfering with an organisation’s ability to function effectively.

The findings highlight an important challenge for employers introducing artificial intelligence into their operations. While automation may promise greater efficiency, uncertainty surrounding its adoption could create unintended workplace problems. The researchers suggest that organisations should communicate carefully about technological changes, acknowledge employees’ concerns and provide appropriate support to maintain trust, engagement and a positive working environment.

More information: Tahira M. Probst et al, In the Shadow of AI: How Industry Exposure to AI and Occupation Insecurity Fuel Moral Disengagement and Counterproductive Work Behaviors, Occupational Health Science. DOI: 10.1007/s41542-026-00272-3

Journal information: Occupational Health Science Provided by Washington State University

Tariff Threats Trigger Immediate Exchange Rate Reactions

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A single remark during a political debate can send ripples through global currency markets, even before a government takes any action. When politicians threaten to impose new tariffs or restrict international trade, investors respond almost instantly, adjusting currency values based on what they believe might happen next. New research from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany reveals how expectations of future trade barriers can influence exchange rates, with some emerging economies facing particularly severe consequences.

Jantke de Boer, Junior Professor of International Monetary Macroeconomics at Ruhr University Bochum, has investigated how anticipated protectionist policies affect foreign exchange markets. Her findings suggest that financial markets respond not only to actual government decisions but also to the possibility of future trade restrictions. “Financial markets do not wait for a political decision to be implemented. They try to anticipate future developments. If it seems more likely that the USA will impose higher tariffs in the future, this can immediately be reflected in the exchange rates,” she explains. The research is featured in the university’s science magazine, Rubin.

To understand these reactions, de Boer examined how protectionist statements made during US presidential debates influenced currency movements. She analysed live broadcasts of past debates, typically held between 9 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. Eastern Time, when major US stock exchanges were closed. This relatively narrow window helped researchers isolate the impact of political statements from other market developments. De Boer also studied prediction market data, where participants wager on election outcomes. By tracking changes in betting odds alongside currency fluctuations, she could observe how shifting expectations about candidates’ trade policies affected exchange rates in real time.

The findings reveal that countries with strong trade ties to the United States are particularly vulnerable to tariff threats. Nations that depend heavily on exports to the American market tend to experience sharper currency movements when protectionist policies appear more likely. Mexico offers a striking example. Because its economy relies substantially on exports to the USA, the Mexican peso can weaken following announcements suggesting higher American tariffs. A weaker peso subsequently makes US imports, including industrial machinery and equipment, more expensive for Mexican businesses.

However, not all emerging economies respond equally. De Boer found that some countries are better equipped to withstand sudden currency pressures, even when their economies are exposed to international trade risks. Brazil, for example, benefits from relatively liquid financial markets that can absorb capital outflows more effectively. Countries with substantial foreign exchange reserves also have greater flexibility to intervene and support their currencies during periods of financial uncertainty. These differences help explain why similar political announcements can produce dramatically different economic consequences across countries.

The research highlights the powerful connection between political rhetoric and global financial stability. Tariff threats can influence exchange rates long before any new trade barriers are introduced, affecting import costs, business investment and debt repayment across national borders. Although protectionist policies may offer certain short-term advantages, they can also contribute to trade disputes, rising prices and broader economic uncertainty. De Boer’s findings demonstrate that in an interconnected global economy, even the prospect of a change in trade policy can have immediate financial consequences.

More information: Jantke de Boer et al, Protectionist U.S. trade policies and the cross-section of emerging market currency returns, Emerging Markets Review. DOI: 10.1016/j.ememar.2026.101527

Journal information: Emerging Markets Review Provided by Ruhr-University Bochum

Understanding Global Health Futures Through Socioeconomic Scenarios

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The future of global health will depend on more than rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. Economic development, healthcare access, technological advances and government policies will also shape how societies respond to climate change. To better understand these interconnected challenges, an international team of researchers has expanded existing climate scenarios to explore how public health could evolve throughout the 21st century.

The research builds on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), five scenarios developed by climate scientists about a decade ago. These pathways describe possible futures based on different patterns of economic growth, population change, environmental policies and international cooperation. Scientists and policymakers use them to assess how today’s decisions could influence climate change and its consequences through 2100.

Each pathway presents distinct opportunities and challenges. The “Sustainability” scenario envisions greater environmental protection, reduced inequality and investment in clean energy. In contrast, “Regional Rivalry” describes a fragmented world marked by nationalism, competition for resources and slower economic development. Another scenario, “Fossil-Fueled Development”, anticipates rapid economic growth alongside increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

However, economic prosperity does not necessarily guarantee better health. Although fossil-fuel-driven growth could support improvements in education and healthcare, worsening pollution and extreme heat could create additional health risks. Existing climate models often overlook important questions about hospital capacity, healthcare accessibility, mental health and the ability of communities to adapt to environmental changes.

To address these gaps, 63 international experts in climate change and public health gathered in Vienna to develop more detailed health-focused scenarios. Their findings, published on 5 October in The Lancet Planetary Health, offer a broader understanding of how healthcare systems, population health and social conditions might change under different socioeconomic futures.

Carole Green, a doctoral student in environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington, participated in the workshop and served as lead author of the accompanying paper. According to Green, conventional climate projections frequently emphasise temperature increases and population trends without adequately considering how social conditions, healthcare infrastructure and public policies might evolve alongside climate change.

The expanded scenarios reveal that future health outcomes are neither inevitable nor straightforward. Technological progress and economic growth may improve healthcare while simultaneously contributing to environmental deterioration. Similarly, investments in climate adaptation may reduce certain risks without eliminating others. Factors such as government effectiveness, health-system capacity, social equity and access to essential resources could significantly influence population well-being.

Researchers hope these more comprehensive scenarios will help governments anticipate emerging health threats and develop effective policies. Their work considers issues such as food insecurity, access to clean water, air quality, healthcare availability and climate-related disease burdens. Understanding how these factors interact could help communities strengthen their resilience and prepare for increasingly complex public health challenges.

The next phase will examine how the scenarios apply to Brazil, Senegal, South Africa, India, Vietnam and the Solomon Islands, incorporating local knowledge and regional circumstances. Researchers also plan to estimate future disease burdens and assess healthcare access, sanitation infrastructure and digital health development. Ultimately, the project highlights an important message: the future of global health is not predetermined, and decisions made today could profoundly influence the health and well-being of generations to come.

More information: Carole Green et al, Navigating global health futures under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, The Lancet Planetary Health. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanplh.2026.101514

Journal information: The Lancet Planetary Health Provided by University of Washington

Cross-Border Shopping Has Less Impact on Public Revenue Than Previously Believed

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Cross-border shopping has long been blamed for draining government revenue, particularly when consumers travel abroad to buy cheaper alcohol, sweets and soft drinks. But new research from the University of Copenhagen suggests the financial losses may be far smaller than previously estimated, challenging a longstanding argument against raising taxes on unhealthy products.

The study, published in The Scandinavian Journal of Economics, examined Danish households’ shopping habits during the COVID-19 border closures in 2020 and 2021. With trips to neighbouring Germany effectively halted, researchers had a rare opportunity to investigate whether consumers would purchase the same products at home when cross-border shopping was no longer possible.

Their findings revealed a striking difference between official estimates and actual consumer behaviour. While Denmark’s Ministry of Taxation estimated that cross-border shopping cost the government DKK 1.16 billion in 2019, excluding tobacco, the researchers calculated a substantially smaller loss of approximately DKK 415 million. This suggests that the financial impact may be only about one-third of the official estimate.

“The authorities assume that all purchases made in Germany would instead have been made in Denmark if the border had been closed. Our findings show that this is not the case,” explains Magnus Munk Bjerg, a PhD student and study co-author. He suggests that shoppers travelling considerable distances often purchase additional goods to justify the journey, meaning they would not necessarily buy those products at home.

The researchers discovered that geographical proximity played a crucial role in shopping behaviour. Households living within 30 kilometres of the German border increased their spending on products such as chocolate, crisps, soft drinks, beer and wine by 109% in Danish shops during the closures. Across households within 150 kilometres, spending rose by an average of 21%, while those living more than 120 kilometres away showed no detectable change.

These findings suggest that cross-border shopping is primarily a local rather than nationwide phenomenon. Although residents near the border may respond to higher domestic prices by shopping abroad more frequently, most Danish households are unlikely to change their purchasing habits significantly. Consequently, concerns about widespread cross-border shopping may have been overstated.

The implications could be important for public health policy. Governments frequently impose higher taxes on alcohol, sugary drinks and other unhealthy products to discourage consumption while generating revenue. Critics argue that such taxes drive shoppers abroad, undermining both objectives. However, the researchers suggest these policies could remain effective for the vast majority of consumers.

“We are not saying what the tax rate should be,” Bjerg emphasises. “But our results show that cross-border shopping should carry less weight when policymakers decide how taxes on unhealthy foods ought to be designed.” The study offers fresh evidence that governments may have more room to use taxation to promote healthier consumption without sacrificing as much revenue as previously feared.

More information: Magnus Munk Bjerg et al, Sin taxes in a sealed market: dilution and leakage related to cross-border shopping, Scandinavian Journal of Economics. DOI: 10.1111/sjoe.70045

Journal information: Scandinavian Journal of Economics Provided by University of Copenhagen

Profit-Driven Hospitals Linked to Poorer Patient Care and Nursing Staff Shortfalls, Study Finds

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The growing influence of corporate ownership in healthcare is raising fresh concerns about whether financial priorities are coming at the expense of patient safety. New research suggests that patients admitted to for-profit hospitals face greater risks of death and hospital readmission. At the same time, nurses struggle with heavier workloads, inadequate staffing and more challenging working conditions.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing’s Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (CHOPR) and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, highlights troubling differences between for-profit and nonprofit hospitals. Published in the journal Medical Care, the findings suggest that nursing shortages may help explain why patients at for-profit facilities experience poorer outcomes.

Researchers examined data involving more than 1.17 million patients treated at 143 for-profit and 798 nonprofit acute care hospitals across 10 US states. The results revealed significant differences in patient survival, hospital readmissions, nursing workloads and overall care quality.

Among the most concerning findings, patients at for-profit hospitals experienced approximately 11 additional deaths per 1,000 medical admissions and five additional deaths per 1,000 surgical admissions compared with those at nonprofit hospitals. Differences in nurse staffing emerged as a major factor associated with these higher mortality rates.

Hospital readmissions also painted a troubling picture. Within 30 days of discharge, for-profit hospitals recorded approximately 20 additional readmissions per 1,000 medical patients and 18 additional readmissions per 1,000 surgical patients. Researchers estimated that staffing differences explained 16% and 30% of these gaps, respectively.

For nurses, the working environment was equally concerning. An overwhelming 71% of nurses employed at for-profit hospitals reported that their assigned patient workloads were unsafe. Burnout was also significantly higher, and nurses were considerably less likely to recommend their hospitals to family and friends, either as places to receive treatment or to work.

Patients themselves appeared to recognise these shortcomings. For-profit hospitals received lower overall patient ratings, with inadequate nurse staffing helping to explain the poorer assessments. The findings suggest that staffing decisions affect not only nurses’ working conditions but also patients’ experiences and quality of care.

“Treating safe nurse staffing as a core component of quality rather than a discretionary operating expense is especially important where incentives to cut labor costs are strongest,” said lead author Matthew D. McHugh, professor of nursing and director of CHOPR at Penn Nursing. He emphasised that minimum staffing requirements and greater transparency around hospital ownership could provide important protections.

As healthcare systems face growing financial pressures, the researchers argue that investing in nursing should be viewed as essential to patient safety rather than an optional expense. They recommend stronger policies establishing minimum safe staffing levels and greater ownership transparency to improve patient outcomes, reduce nurse burnout and ensure quality care regardless of whether hospitals operate for profit.

More information: Matthew D. McHugh et al, Patient Outcomes and Nurse Understaffing in For-Profit Hospitals, Medical Care. DOI: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000002376

Journal information: Medical Care Provided by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Growing Private Equity Influence on CPA Firms Reveals Shortcomings in Accounting Education

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Private equity investment is bringing sweeping changes to the accounting profession, raising questions about the future of CPA firms and whether universities are adequately preparing students for a rapidly evolving workplace. As investment firms acquire stakes in accounting practices, long-established approaches to ownership, career advancement and professional development are being challenged. A new study warns that accounting education risks falling behind these changes, leaving graduates unprepared for the realities of their chosen profession.

Led by Portland State University accounting professor Elizabeth Dreike Almer, the study examines how private equity (PE) investment is transforming public accounting firms and what these developments mean for future accountants. Drawing on interviews with regulators, accounting professionals and transaction experts, the researchers explored how new ownership structures are influencing workplace culture, compensation, professional responsibilities and career opportunities. Their findings suggest that the growing involvement of private equity could fundamentally reshape the accounting profession, creating an urgent need for universities to rethink how they educate and advise students.

“Private equity isn’t just changing who owns CPA firms; it’s fundamentally reshaping accounting careers, firm culture, and the skills needed on day one,” Almer said. “If business school classrooms don’t adapt to these changes, new graduates will face severe reality shock when entering the workplace.” Industry experts interviewed for the study identified several potential consequences of private equity ownership, including increased layoffs, reduced time devoted to client engagements and fewer opportunities to become traditional equity partners. They also anticipated a growing emphasis on higher-profit consulting services at the expense of auditing, potentially changing the nature of accounting careers.

Another concern involves the development of technical expertise and professional judgement, particularly among younger accountants. Auditing requires more than knowledge of accounting rules; it demands experience, critical thinking and the ability to make sound decisions in complex situations. Researchers warn that commercial pressures and changes in staffing practices could limit opportunities for employees to develop these essential skills. At the same time, the decline of traditional partnership pathways may alter how aspiring accountants view long-term career prospects, professional independence and advancement within their firms.

To help students navigate this changing environment, the study calls for accounting programmes to move beyond conventional classroom instruction. The researchers recommend expanding experiential learning and encouraging students to examine the ethical and professional challenges associated with different ownership models. Courses should integrate technical accounting and auditing knowledge with discussions about firm structures, financial incentives, stewardship and public service responsibilities. Particular attention should be given to situations where commercial objectives may conflict with accountants’ obligations to protect the public interest and exercise independent professional judgement.

The researchers also emphasise the importance of career guidance that reflects the profession’s changing landscape. Rather than preparing students for a single traditional career path, universities should help them understand the opportunities and trade-offs associated with different types of accounting firms. This includes examining how ownership arrangements may influence compensation, workplace expectations, professional development and advancement. By connecting classroom learning more closely with industry realities, educators can help graduates make informed career decisions while preserving the professional standards and public trust that remain central to accounting.

More information: Elizabeth Dreike Almer et al, The Impact of Private Equity Investments in Accounting Firms on Accounting Careers, Issues in Accounting Education. DOI: 10.2308/ISSUES-2025-043

Journal information: Issues in Accounting Education Provided by Portland State University

Women May Feel More Distressed by Mistakes When Working with Men, Study Suggests

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Making a mistake at work can be embarrassing, but for some women, the experience may be particularly stressful when surrounded by male colleagues. New research suggests that workplace gender composition can influence how employees respond to mistakes, with women in male-dominated teams feeling less comfortable acknowledging errors and less likely to view them as opportunities to learn.

Published in Frontiers in Organizational Psychology, the study found that women working in teams where men accounted for at least 75% of employees were more reluctant to admit mistakes. However, this gender gap disappeared in workplaces where women formed the majority. “On paper, a mistake carries the same consequences whoever makes it,” said lead author Dr Grace Lordan of the London School of Economics. “But formal rules aren’t culture.”

Researchers surveyed more than 1,400 employees in the UK’s financial services sector, examining their willingness to acknowledge mistakes, expectations of punishment and attitudes towards learning from errors. Although the industry is traditionally male-dominated, women represented 81% of the study participants.

The findings revealed that women generally viewed workplace mistakes more negatively than men. They reported greater discomfort admitting errors and were less likely to regard mistakes as valuable learning experiences. These differences became particularly pronounced in heavily male-dominated teams. Researchers also found that employees of both genders tended to view mistakes more negatively in such environments.

In teams comprising more than 75% men, women’s comfort with admitting mistakes averaged 5.46 on a seven-point scale, compared with 5.94 among male colleagues. Women also scored lower in viewing mistakes as learning opportunities, at 4.20 compared with 4.54 for men. In workplaces with fewer male employees, however, women’s attitudes were comparable to or slightly more positive than men’s.

Interestingly, women did not report expecting greater formal punishment than men for making mistakes in comparable roles and settings. Researchers suggested that the real difference may lie in less visible workplace pressures, such as concerns about appearing incompetent or having errors remembered unfairly. “Women may feel on ‘thinner ice’ psychologically even with the same consequences on paper,” Lordan explained.

These findings could have broader implications for workplace innovation and career development. Employees who fear making mistakes may avoid challenging assignments, hesitate to experiment or miss valuable learning opportunities. Researchers encouraged managers, particularly men leading male-dominated teams, to openly acknowledge their own mistakes and foster environments where errors can be discussed constructively. Supportive peer networks for women may also help.

The researchers cautioned that the study relied on hypothetical scenarios and a predominantly female sample, limiting how widely its findings can be applied. Nevertheless, similar pressures may exist in other demanding industries, including technology, engineering and medicine. “Over time, freedom to fail could contribute to gaps in expertise, confidence and advancement, caused by unequal opportunity to learn, not ability,” Lordan concluded. “A more inclusive error culture benefits everyone.”

More information: Grace Lordan et al, Is it ok to make mistakes at work? Perceptions of differential treatment of mistakes by men and women in the workplace, Frontiers in Organizational Psychology. DOI: 10.3389/forgp.2026.1619562

Journal information: Frontiers in Organizational Psychology Provided by Frontiers

Knowing How to Use AI Does Not Guarantee Equal Opportunities

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Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, promising new opportunities for jobseekers equipped with the right digital skills. But can learning to use AI help overcome longstanding barriers to employment? New research suggests that while AI training can improve a candidate’s chances of securing a job interview, it cannot erase the inequalities that continue to shape hiring decisions.

A study led by Professor Nick Drydakis of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), published in Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, found that AI-related qualifications improved interview prospects for women from underrepresented backgrounds, including older, Black, lesbian and autistic applicants. However, significant disadvantages remained even when candidates demonstrated relevant digital skills.

To investigate how employers respond to AI qualifications, researchers submitted more than 3,000 applications for genuine job vacancies in London during 2025. The experiment involved fictional but closely matched female candidates applying for non-graduate positions across 10 private-sector occupational fields. Applications differed in characteristics such as age, race, sexual orientation or autism disclosure, as well as whether candidates listed a six-month vocational qualification in AI-related skills.

The results revealed a striking divide. Among applicants outside the underrepresented groups who did not list AI skills, 25% received interview invitations. By comparison, only 11% of underrepresented applicants without AI qualifications were invited to interview. When these applicants included AI training on their applications, their interview invitation rate increased to 14% — an improvement of approximately 27%, but still far below that of their counterparts.

The researchers also uncovered evidence of what they called “wage sorting”. Women from underrepresented backgrounds were more likely to receive interview invitations for lower-paid vacancies within the occupations they targeted. Although AI qualifications improved their access to better-paid opportunities, substantial differences persisted, suggesting that digital skills alone cannot overcome unequal treatment in recruitment.

The study, among the first experimental investigations into employers’ responses to AI credentials among underrepresented groups, builds on Drydakis’s AI Capital theory. However, the researchers did not examine whether AI training would produce similar benefits for applicants outside these groups, leaving an important question for future research.

“As AI becomes increasingly embedded across workplaces, there is growing interest in whether developing AI-related skills, such as training in the use of artificial intelligence tools and software in workplace settings, can help improve employment opportunities for people who traditionally face barriers in the labour market,” said Drydakis, Director of ARU’s Centre for Inclusive Societies and Economies.

Drydakis emphasised that employers increasingly recognise the value of skills such as AI-assisted administration, data analysis and digital record management. Nevertheless, he warned that training must be accompanied by fairer hiring practices. “AI training can help open doors, but it should not be viewed as a substitute for fair recruitment practices,” he said, stressing that technological progress must go hand in hand with efforts to tackle discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all.

More information: Nick Drydakis, Artificial Intelligence-Related Digital Skills and Employment Outcomes for Underrepresented Women, Industrial Relations A Journal of Economy and Society. DOI: 10.1111/irel.70047

Journal information: Industrial Relations A Journal of Economy and Society Provided by Anglia Ruskin University

Good Things Come to Entrepreneurs Who Wait, Research Shows

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In the fast-paced world of business, entrepreneurs are often praised for making bold decisions, taking risks and seizing opportunities before their competitors. But new research suggests that knowing when to wait could be just as important as knowing when to act. Patience, it turns out, may be one of the most valuable qualities an entrepreneur can possess.

A study from the University of Bath’s School of Management found that patient individuals were not only more likely to become entrepreneurs but also tended to earn considerably more once they started their businesses. Analysing data from more than 21,000 UK employees between 2009 and 2023, researchers discovered that the most patient individuals were approximately 50% more likely to enter entrepreneurship than the most impatient.

The financial rewards were equally striking. Among those who became business owners, the most patient entrepreneurs earned around 40% more than their least patient counterparts. Published in Small Business Economics, the findings suggest that patience can provide a competitive advantage throughout the entrepreneurial journey, from identifying opportunities to building a successful business.

“Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as being about acting quickly and seizing opportunities. While decisiveness matters, our research suggests that patience really is a virtue for entrepreneurs,” said Professor Chris Dawson, a behavioural economist at the University of Bath. He explained that successful entrepreneurs may devote more time to finding promising opportunities and making investments whose returns take years to materialise.

Why does patience matter so much? Researchers suggest that impatient individuals may rush into business ventures without adequately exploring their options. Rather than spending time gathering information, evaluating risks and preparing for future challenges, they may settle for the first available opportunity, even when better prospects could emerge later.

The study also found that a substantial increase in impatience was associated with a roughly 10% reduction in the likelihood of becoming a business owner, relative to the average entry rate. For those who did launch businesses, greater impatience was linked to lower earnings. Dawson noted that searching, planning and investing require immediate effort, while the benefits often arrive much later.

The research drew on the UK Household Longitudinal Study, which tracks individuals and families over time. Researchers examined entrepreneurial ambitions, transitions into business ownership and subsequent earnings, while accounting for factors including age, sex, previous income and attitudes towards risk. Impatience was assessed using a validated psychological measure of delayed gratification.

The findings could have important implications for entrepreneurship education, business incubators and support programmes. Encouraging aspiring business owners to think long term, carefully evaluate opportunities and resist the temptation of immediate rewards may help them avoid costly mistakes. Although patience alone cannot guarantee success, the research suggests that entrepreneurs who are willing to wait, prepare and invest in the future may ultimately have more to gain.

More information: Virgilio Failla et al, Impatience and entrepreneurship, Small Business Economics. DOI: 10.1007/s11187-026-01285-6

Journal information: Small Business Economics Provided by University of Bath

The People Who Feed the World: Understanding the Role of Informal Food Vendors

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Millions of people depend on street vendors, market stalls and neighbourhood food sellers for their daily meals. Yet these small businesses, which provide affordable food and employment across much of the developing world, remain largely overlooked by researchers and policymakers. A major international review is now shedding light on their essential role in global food security and the challenges they face.

Published in Food Policy, the systematic scoping review examined 327 studies from 64 countries, selected from more than 23,000 research records published since 2000. Conducted by researchers from Cornell University, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and other institutions, the review explored how informal food businesses operate, influence nutrition and support livelihoods.

Food systems employ an estimated 1.23 billion people worldwide, with most jobs considered informal. Particularly in low- and middle-income countries, street vendors and small-scale retailers provide convenient access to fresh produce, prepared meals and other affordable foods. Despite their importance, the researchers found that their contributions are poorly understood and frequently undervalued.

One striking finding was the lack of agreement over what constitutes an informal food business—fewer than a quarter of the studies clearly defined informality. Some researchers focused on business licences, while others considered selling locations, physical infrastructure or registration status. These inconsistencies make comparisons difficult and can lead to policies that fail to reflect how vendors actually work.

Gender inequality emerged as another major concern. Women represent a substantial proportion of informal food vendors but often encounter barriers to financing, suitable trading spaces and legal protection. Harassment, discrimination and insecure working conditions further threaten their livelihoods. Researchers also highlighted the importance of social relationships, which help vendors maintain supply networks, manage financial risks and support one another.

The review also revealed important gaps in understanding how informal food markets influence nutrition. Vendors can improve access to fruits, vegetables and other nutritious foods, but they also sell ultra-processed products. Researchers say more evidence is needed on how these businesses shape dietary choices, food safety and health outcomes, including the well-being of vendors themselves.

Among 214 studies offering policy recommendations, improving basic infrastructure emerged as the most common priority. Access to clean water, electricity, refrigeration, safer marketplaces and designated vending areas could strengthen food safety and business stability. Researchers also called for better financial services, social protection and policies that recognise the particular challenges facing women. Simply requiring vendors to register or obtain licences has often proved ineffective when compliance costs are unaffordable.

The researchers concluded that informal food businesses should not be treated as a problem to eliminate, but as an essential part of food systems that deserves greater recognition and support. Rather than dividing businesses into rigid formal and informal categories, governments should develop flexible policies reflecting local realities. Supporting these overlooked workers could improve food security, protect livelihoods and make healthier diets more accessible to millions of people.

More information: Ramya Ambikapathi et al, Informality in food environments: a systematic review of nutrition, livelihood, and sociopolitical outcomes and implications for food policy, Food Policy. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2026.103197

Journal information: Food Policy Provided by The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture