Some of the biggest names in private equity are racing to set up shop in Southeast Asia, drawn by the region's rapid economic development and abundance of natural resources, according to The Boston Consulting Group's report, Private Equity in Southeast Asia: Increasing Success, Rising Competition.

Africa is becoming more attractive to manufacturers and other businesses, but the 2012 BCG e-Intensity Index reveals inconsistency in Africa. Governments of the countries moving up the rankings look to encourage internet use among consumers, businesses and within government itself because they recognize that it can be a powerful edge in the competitive global economy. Other countries risk falling further behind. Is the glass half empty or half full? This is the question that the results of the 2012 BCG e-Intensity Index pose to governments across Africa.

As China's economy has grown, much attention has been paid to its middle class and its high-net-worth individuals. Less noticed has been its affluent population.

Currently, most global companies are operating in a two-speed world, yet this scenario was not on the drawing board when today's leaders were rising through the ranks. The length of the economic malaise in mature markets and the sustained growth of emerging markets have jumbled the deck for them.

Every business needs to "go digital." Data about customers, competitors, suppliers and employees are exploding. Ninety percent of all data were created in the past two years. By 2016, there will be 3 billion internet users globally, and the internet economy will reach $4.2tr in the G-20 nations. No company or country can afford to ignore this phenomenon.

Consumers in India and China are the new kings and queens of the global economy. They have fast-changing tastes and appetites, and they are transforming the world with their consumption.

The era of easy growth for Chinese companies is coming to a close. Sales growth is slowing, while margins and profitability are under pressure. To reach the next level, Chinese companies need first to overcome a more challenging economy at home, where the days of relying on low labor costs, price competition, and a giant domestic market to fuel growth are over.