Luke Peterson examines the crisis in the international investment arbitration system.

Is there a backlash brewing against the international legal system used by states and investors to settle FDI disputes? For several years, lawyers and academics have been debating whether the current system – consisting of more than 2600 bilateral investment protection treaties – is ensuring the security and protection of investor assets and contracts without unnecessarily handcuffing the sovereignty of governments to regulate business activity within their borders.

The fDi Creative Industries Competitiveness Index has ranked London above New York, while the US is listed as the country of choice for ICT sector investors.

While the the world’s major financial centres are in disarray, smaller markets are reaping the benefits, says Charles Piggott.

Lara Williams reports on the expansion strategies of the world’s top renewable energy investors.

The fDi Renewable Energy Investment Competitiveness Indices reveal that Germany, the US and China dominate the sector.

Sovereign wealth funds have come into the spotlight – and under much scrutiny – but their impact on the investment landscape has been overblown, writes Lara Williams.

An underfunded and inadequate infrastructure isn’t just a problem for developing countries. Can public-private partnerships provide the solution? Karen E Thuermer reports.

In tough economic times, do companies tighten their belts when it comes to FDI? It seems not: the 10 companies with the highest returns on overseas investments believe now is the right time to expand international operations. Charles Piggott reports.

Almost without exception, the companies at the top of a recent list of the most profitable companies overseas take the view that the current economic conditions are still right for international expansion. Research released last month by Investment Consulting Associates (ICA) examined 20 years of data from 230 Fortune 500 companies’ annual reports and named the 10 companies with the best returns on foreign assets.

Despite slower growth in the air cargo market, new airports and air fleets will be needed in the next 20 years. fDi reports.

The fDi inaugural Aerospace Manufacturing Investment Competitiveness Index has found the US to rank high above other well-established locations.

Tie-ups with the life sciences sector could save the pharmaceutical industry from its unsustainable business model, writes Karen E Thuermer.

fDi’s first biotech sector power rankings show the traditional behemoths leading the way.

Philip McNamara finds out what attracts talented workers to some of the most creative companies in the US.

Costs still count, but outsourcing centres are placing more focus on staff development and retention, writes Karen E Thuermer.

How will the credit crunch affect the global commercial property market? Lara Williams reports on the fall-out region by region.

As oil prices rocket, the race to commercialise sustainable energies is becoming ever more frantic. Karen E Thuermer reports.

Regions all over the world are benefiting from organised cross-border promotion initiatives. Karen E Thuermer reports.

Auto manufacturing is speeding into the digital age as firms introduce more innovation and automation. By Lillie Guyer.

Do advisers and financiers pressure their client companies to expand overseas too rapidly? The secrecy that surrounds these relationships means this is a difficult question to answer, writes Silvia Pavoni.

To be a good one, the relationship between a company and its banks and advisers has to be intimate. Corporates must expose their most secretive plans and discuss their most sensitive issues. And consultants must use all their acumen, experience and tireless work to craft the best solutions for their clients’ requests.

The need for data services and upgraded networks is driving worldwide demand for ICT. Karen Thuermer reports.

If information is king, then telecoms access through a global network infrastructure is key for multinational corporations to expand successfully around the world.