Building an innovation culture can help countries prepare for the outbreak of diseases such as Ebola, write Rachel Chu and Meir Pugatch of Pugatch Consilium.

Steeped in history, the Polish city of Lublin had fallen upon hard times in the 20th century. However, its 2013 to 2020 strategy plan is already reaping dividends in positioning the city as a centre of business, investment and entrepreneurship within easy reach of both Warsaw and neighbouring Ukraine.

The rapid growth of Alvogen is impressive by any standards, but for a company operating in the ever-changing pharmaceuticals market it is even more remarkable. The secret of Alvogen's success lies in its decision to expand and diversify its company function, its product line and its geographical markets.

This year's Bio International Convention attracted more than 15,000 attendees, among them an army of economic developers and elected officials hoping to secure investments into the sector. Michal Kaczmarski asked representatives why investors should bet on their locations and whether they see emerging markets as a source of opportunities or competition.

Hopes are high that the a more business-friendly India will emerge under the stewardship of new prime minister Narendra Modi. But the FDI fortunes of India’s states look to remain disparate until policies and regulations are better coordinated.

Costa Rica's new president, Luis Guillermo Solis, has wasted no time in hitting the investment trail. During his first visit to the US, he tells Michal Kaczmarski why inward investment is so important and explains his strategy for making Costa Rica a hub for high-tech companies.