Through independent research and innovation, the Filene Research Institute explores issues vital to the future of credit unions and consumer finance.
Dissatisfaction with the establishment is nothing new. History books are filled with tipping points of outrage that drive common people to tear down even the most impervious power structures. Modernity is no different. One needs to look no further than Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt, and Syria to see that, as Bob Dylan sang, “revolution [is still] in the air.”
More ...
Nothing else – not assessments, interchange, or business lending – is more important to the long-term health of credit unions than sustainable membership growth.
More ...categories » Economic Issues - Credit Unions, Marketing, Consumer Behavior and Market Research
Is there enough fuel to create energy to feed the demand of a growing world, that is living longer? If so, can it be used in a way that does not raise the temperature of the Earth? The Earth’s temperature is rising. How do we continue to create energy and reverse rising temperature? What alternative’s exist and are feasible? What about land use? These are a few of the complex and controversial questions that were raised on Day 4 at Singularity University.
More ...
Can you predict the future? What is the future of business? Will we be able to download information or other people’s memories directly into our brains? Will be able to grow a heart in a test tube for future transplants? Can we genetically engineer out disease from our genetics? Can we create a new species? Imagine trees or cats that glow from a gene strand of a lightening bug. Just a few of the discussion points from Day 3 at Singularity University.
More ...
Artificial Intelligence, Astronauts, Robotics, Medicine & Neuroscience, Forecasting, Policy and Ethics and Exponentials. All day #2 topics at Singularity University. Today I realized I (and most credit unions, and our regulators) are moving at 25 mph in a world that is doing 100 mph. The world is changing at an accelerating rate and those of us who are looking in our rearview mirrors, and out the side windows are missing the turn ahead visible only through the windshield.
More ...
Here I am listening to Peter Diamandis the Chairman and Founder of XPrize – You know the guy who came up with the idea for a $10M prize to jump start the private space race – and all I can think is wow! Here is a guy who passionately believes we can solve all the problems of humanity. He has no problem setting out big hairy audacious goals including the Artifical Intelligence Physican to help prevent 3rd world pandemics. After a technology intro from an Apple evangelist and introductions from participants across the globe including, Argentina, Bali, Chile,Italy, Singapore, Spain and UAE I realize I am about to have my mind rocked. To hear Peter”s key observations continue reading.
More ...categories » Innovation
In 1986, the bottom 50% of earners (over 70 Million) took home 17% of the nation’s income. By 2007, they took home only 12%, Meanwhile the top 1% of earners now accounts for 23% of America’s income. A brute fact is that half of Americans are struggling, scrimping, and often being swallowed in our modern economy. Furthermore, half of America needs a financial institution they can trust.
More ...categories » Limited Income Households
Filene Members,
Happy Holidays! Thank you for your continued support! Research and innovation are common ingredients in any economic recovery, and our pipeline is bulging from your many requests. Among the dozens of projects underway at Filene, here is a sample of what you can expect from us in 2010:
More ...categories » Filene News, Philosophy and Values
Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for the love! We are humbled and appreciative of your terrific support. We know 2009 has been a difficult year for your members and credit union. As your “think and do” tank we have managed your donations judiciously to ensure the value of the research and innovation pays dividends back to those in the community you serve.
Highlights from 2009 include:
More ...
At the Filene Research Institute, we believe our namesake, Edward A. Filene, was an important influence on the economic, political, and social movements of his time. He is generally recognized as one of the founding fathers of the U.S. credit union movement. In that spirit, we have decided to reprint the book Speaking of Change as a benefit for all of our members. We believe that Mr. Filene’s words are as insightful and motivational today as they were in the 1930s. Enjoy!
More ...categories » Filene News