The infrastructures of cities around the world are suffering from traffic congestion, pollution and high public transport costs. These frustrations are leading to alternative means of transport. South African startup Mellowcabs provides free transport in electric vehicles.

With everyone's attention held by smartphones, static print billboards aren't enough to persuade people to look up. So brands like Beck's are creating immersive, interactive and intriguing ads – like the world's first 'playable poster' that shows the brand's dedication to music.

Google has secured intellectual rights to a system that would serve ads based on environmental conditions. It may pave the way for a mobile phone that could record data such as temperature, humidity and light to trigger relevant adverts.

In emerging markets, social responsibility is more than marketing; it can improve the lives of billions. By better connecting consumers, a new social initiative from telecoms giant Tata Docomo is tackling India's growing blood deficit.