Iceland's cool climate has helped the country carve a niche as one of the world's most cost-effective destinations for data centres. Now, it is looking to exploit its other quirks – such as its near-complete reliance on renewable energy – to attract more foreign investment.

The rapid growth of Alvogen is impressive by any standards, but for a company operating in the ever-changing pharmaceuticals market it is even more remarkable. The secret of Alvogen's success lies in its decision to expand and diversify its company function, its product line and its geographical markets.

The decline of once-dominant telecommunications giant Nokia had grim repercussions for the Finnish city of Tampere, in which it employed 4000 people at its peak. However, with an educated, highly skilled workforce, and its innovative streak still fully intact, Tampere is filling the 'Nokia gap' with a number of exciting projects.

The head of Allegheny Technologies Inc has seen his company spread its wings to all corners of the globe, but he is happy that the US commitment to being a leading manufacturing region means his home base remains an advantageous place to do business.

Like many locations, Louisiana decided to bet on the tech sector as an engine of future economic growth. And, while many other states with similar ambitions have failed, Louisiana has already succeeded in attracting some big tech names.

The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for tourists, and is rising in prominence as a finance and business hub for the south-east Asia region. Barbara Njau charts the city's progress.

Kuala Lumpur is the eighth most visited city globally, with tourists flocking to attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers. However, concerns over the city's inadequate transport networks are frequently voiced, something local officials are rectifying with a series of new projects.

Malaysia's minister of international trade and industry, Mustapa bin Mohamed, tells Barbara Njau that Kuala Lumpur's role has been and remains integral to Malaysia's rise as a global trade hub.

While much of the oil and gas activity in Malaysia takes place away from Kuala Lumpur, the city has established itself as a global leader in energy terms, with foreign energy firms increasingly coming to the capital to establish a south-eastern Asian base.