A new study out of the Complexity Science Hub (CSH) reveals that, over 170 years of economic history, the transformation of U.S. cities follows a surprisingly stable rule: while cities evolve and diversify, they on average maintain a constant level of “coherence”—a measure of how well their economic activities fit together.

A new doctoral dissertation from the University of Vaasa, Finland, yielded surprisingly positive results about the long-term effect of an international childhood. Moving abroad can be a challenging and emotional experience for a child, but in the long run, adjusting to a new culture at a young age develops skills that become useful in future studies and career. In professional life, this is reflected by an ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse teams and cultures, and seeking roles with an international dimension.

Study reveals workplace decision-making crisis: Professionals overconfident but undertrained

Summary: New research from the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists reveals a critical gap between confidence and competence in workplace decision-making. While 91% of professionals believe they have above-average decision skills, 45% lack structured decision habits and 85% never received formal training. The study of 105 professionals across sectors identified 24 specific decision-making challenges and found widespread organizational barriers. Co-led by behavioral decision scientists from University of East Anglia, London School of Economics, and Warwick Business School, this first-of-its-kind workplace decision research shows strong demand for evidence-based training, with 84.8% wanting decision-making development from employers.

Key Finding: The "decision paradox" - high confidence paired with poor processes and poor preparation - suggests organizations are expecting sound decisions without providing the tools or training to make them.

Implications: Results challenge the assumption that experience alone builds decision expertise and highlight urgent need for systematic decision science education in professional development.

Institution: Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists (GAABS), Zurich, Switzerland

Old-fashioned economic thinking is driving biodiversity loss, according to a new international study led by Aberystwyth University academics, which calls for a fundamental shift in how nature is valued.

A new study published in Ecological Applications demonstrates that commercial fisheries function much like an investment portfolio: diversity brings stability. The research shows that when different fish species in the Chesapeake Bay peak at different times, a dynamic known as “asynchrony,” the overall fishery becomes more resilient and watermen are better protected from boom-and-bust cycles.