Switzerland tops list: The United States is ranked seventh in a new report that measures innovation across the world. The Global Innovation Index, compiled by INSEAD, an international business school, gauges elements of the economy that enable innovative activities, such as institutions, research and infrastructure, along with innovative outputs. Switzerland was rated as the most innovative country, followed by Sweden, Singapore, Hong Kong, Finland and Denmark. The U.S. ranked high for market sophistication, efficiency and scientific outputs. See the full report here.
School puts football program on probation: Ohio State is vacating its wins from the 2010 football season, including its share of the Big Ten championship and the Buckeyes’ victory over Arkansas in the 2011 Sugar Bowl. Responding to the NCAA’s investigation of a memorabilia-for-cash scandal that cost former coach Jim Tressel his job and led to star quarterback Terrelle Pryor’s leaving school, the university also says it is waiving a $250,000 fine imposed on Tressel and changing his resignation to a retirement. Through the school, the ex-Buckeyes coach says that he is taking responsibility for the NCAA inquiry, which developed after it was learned Tressel failed to report players receiving improper benefits. The university is putting the football program on probation for two years, which means there would be harsher penalties if any further wrongdoing is discovered. The response to the NCAA doesn’t mean Ohio State’s woes are over. The governing body for college sports could still impose tougher sanctions, such as a ban on postseason play and a reduction in scholarships in the wake of an Aug. 12 hearing.
