Over the past two centuries, economic growth has freed billions from poverty and made our lives far healthier and longer. As a result, the unfettered pursuit of growth defines economic life around the world. Yet this prosperity has come at an enormous price: deepening inequalities, destabilising technologies, environmental destruction and climate change.

Confusion reigns. For many, in our era of anaemic economic progress, the worry is slowing growth – in the UK, Europe, China and elsewhere. Others understandably claim, given its costs, that the only way forward is through ‘degrowth’, deliberating shrinking our economies.

At this time of uncertainty about growth and its value, award-winning economist Daniel Susskind joins us for a reckoning. He will argue that we cannot abandon growth but shows instead how we must redirect it, making it better reflect what we truly value.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most original and provocative economic thinkers of our time as he gets to grips with one of our greatest preoccupations.

Speakers

Daniel Susskind is a Research Professor in Economics at King’s College London and a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University. He is the author of A World without Work and co-author of the bestselling The Future of the Professions. Previously, he worked in the British government, as a policy adviser in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, the Cabinet Office, and at 10 Downing Street.

Paul van Zyl is the Co-Founder of The Conduit, a winner of the prestigious Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He served as the Executive Secretary of South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission and co-founded the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), an international human rights organisation based in New York City.