AUGUSTO LOPEZ-CLAROS was the Chief Economist and Director of the Global Competitiveness Program at the World Economic Forum in Geneva (2003-2006), where he was the Editor of the Global Competitiveness Report, the Forum's flagship publication. He is the Founder of EFD: Global Consulting Network, an international consultancy specializing in economic, financial and development issues and working with governments and private corporations on a broad range of subjects, including aspects of economic reform in transition economies, competitiveness and productivity, and the role of technology and innovation in the development process. He was co-editor of The International Monetary System, the IMF, and the G-20: A Great Transformation in the Making? (Palgrave Macmillan, 2007) and also The Humanitarian Response Index: Measuring Commitment to Best Practice (Palgrave Macmillan). A summary of recent activities and projects can be found at www.augustolopez-claros.net.