Welcome to the spring 2013 edition of New European Economy. With rapid urbanisation and an ever increasing focus on sustainability, this issue examines how some of the world’s smartest cities are encouraging healthy economic activities that reduce the burden on the environment while improving the quality of life. We also outline how biotechnology is expected to continue to play a key role in sustainable development and discuss the benefits that it will bring in the future as well as the risk and rewards of investing in biotech start-ups and funds.

It has now been more than five years since the global financial crisis began. We show how KPMG’s February 2013 report Evolving Banking Regulation highlights the strategic and operational challenges that the waves of regulatory reform will pose for banks in Europe in 2013 and beyond. Amid such trying economic conditions, several cities are seeking to gain a competitive advantage. We look at how innovations and developments in Lebanon’s ICT sector have reshaped the country’s economic outlook and increased its attractiveness as an investment destination.

Meanwhile in Spain, several cities are also striving to gain advantage by offering a great environment for business investment. Avilés is an industrial and port city in northern Spain with a rich historical heritage and an economically vibrant environment that has attracted several large multinational companies. Likewise San Sebastian, a lively city presiding over the stunning Bay of Biscay, offers much in terms of tourism and commerce, including excellent conference venues, a superb infrastructure and stunning scenery.

The German business travel sector is also going from strength to strength despite economic conditions. We focus on the excellent conference facilities in Baden-Baden, the world-famous spa resort in the Black Forest, and Frankfurt, which has been a cultural hub and centre of commerce for centuries. In Hamburg, Nord Event GmbH offers exclusive and unique meeting venues in a variety of prestigious hotels and business districts, including the Speicherstadt, a historic district with a long-standing Hanseatic merchant tradition that is increasingly establishing itself as a fashionable district.

Heading eastward, New European Economy highlights why Rovinj is considered to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia. We also examine how Croatia, which has a long tradition of viniculture, is a treasure trove of wines, offering great diversity and a strong connection to land and history. In the field of Croatian architecture, Zagreb-based 3LHD is a collaborative studio that is particularly interested in the integration of architecture, art and the urban landscape.

This issue describes how Haribo, which started at a small kitchen sink in Bonn in the 1920s with a sack full of sugar and a kettle, has developed into one of the best-known brands in the confectionery industry by means of product innovation, effective advertising, bold acquisition and fierce brand protection. We also take a look at what some commentators have gone as far as branding a second industrial revolution: 3D printing. 3D printers, available for the desktop, can now print objects out of almost any material, from nylon to glass, chocolate and titanium.

Also in this issue is the first round in our awards season and a select few can be happy knowing they were making all the right moves to earn themselves the recognition they so deserve.

Finally, in the world of serviced apartments, we feature London’ Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living in London has everything the discerning business traveller needs. These apartments illustrate the new trend for sophisticated, luxurious homely comfort that is developing in the world of high-end accommodation.