As we head into the new year, there are more difficult questions facing us this year than in any year in my lifetime. The financial markets are a mess, and it seems inevitable that a few major banks like Citigroup will be nationalized before long. The automotive industry is in even worse shape, leading to previously unthinkable ideas, such as Fiat acquiring Chrysler. Unemployment is ratcheting up and will likely reach double-digits before long, while foreclosures continue to rise.
At the same time, we have a new administration in Washington, one that brings a sense of hope and optimism, even in these difficult times. Whether Obama can truly bring the post-partisan solutions he strives for, only time will tell. What is clear is that the federal government will be putting close to a trillion dollars into the economy, which will have significant impact on various sectors including infrastructure, green technology and health care. Meanwhile, with the lower costs afforded by cloud computing and the web, startups will continue to drive innovation, despite the economic headwinds.
In an effort to make sense of these changes, over the coming weeks, I will be posting blog interviews with key opinion leaders in various segments in a series of posts called "Five Questions for...". I've selected people whose opinions I value across various segments of content, technology and finance. Rather than predictions, I'm seeking insights and understanding, along with clues as to where the opportunities may lie in the coming year. I hope you enjoy their ideas.
Later today, we'll kick off the first post with investor and entrepreneur Paul Kedrosky. Stay tuned...
