Growth: A Reckoning – with Daniel Susskind

Over the past two centuries, economic growth has freed billions from poverty and made our lives far healthier and longer. As a result, the 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.

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.

In his new book, Growth: A Reckoning, economist Daniel Susskind argues we cannot abandon growth but must instead redirect it, making it better reflect what we truly value.

To mark the book’s publication, join Daniel and our panel to discuss what really drives growth and how we can combat our economic slowdown.

Speakers:

• Jonathan Haskel, Professor of Economics, Imperial College London and external member of the Monetary Policy Committee, Bank of England
• Polly Mackenzie, Chief Social Purpose Officer, University of the Arts London, and former Chief Executive, Demos
• Daniel Susskind, Research Professor in Economics, King’s College London & Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Ethics in AI, Oxford University
• Bobby Duffy, Director of the Policy Institute at King's College London (Chair)