Business and management articles from across Nature Portfolio

Most manufactured products contain materials produced with carbon from fossil feedstocks. Econic Technologies has developed a process for replacing fossil feedstocks used to produce polymers with captured carbon from waste carbon dioxide.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly positioned as a transformative force across public and private sectors. Yet, its adoption raises critical questions about reasoning, accountability, and the limits of machine cognition. This study draws on the philosophy of science as well as well as theories of organizations to argue that current AI systems—despite their predictive and generative capabilities—lack essential human faculties such as ability to engage in abductive reasoning, grasp analogies and metaphors, interpret sparse or nuanced data. These limitations have profound implications for decision-making, particularly in democratic societies where legal and ethical accountability are paramount. We propose a pragmatic framework for the responsible use of AI, distinguishing between ‘reliable’ and ‘frontier’ technologies, and aligning their deployment with sector-specific obligations. By situating AI within broader epistemic and institutional contexts, the framework offers actionable guidance for aligning technological innovation with democratic values and ethical governance.

Bacteria can be engineered to metabolize inflammation by-products for the treatment of inflammation-mediated diseases. We created a spin-off company to translate bioengineered Escherichia coli Nissle into a live therapeutic product, navigating translational, regulatory and biotech mindset challenges. Here, I provide some generalizable insights into academic entrepreneurship.

Alberto Arcà describes the use of policy mix frameworks in supporting emerging technologies.

Bringing advanced battery research into real-world applications remains one of the most difficult challenges, requiring a three-stage, overlapping development process, argues Kieran O’Regan.

Utilities are increasingly using ratepayer-backed bonds (RBBs) to provide financial protection against extreme weather and more broadly, the energy transition. Consequently, we outline best practices for public utility commissions and ratepayer advocates to reduce financing costs and protect ratepayers in the execution of RBBs.