Daniel Susskind for Growth: A Reckoning

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 Professions.

Susskind is a globally in-demand figure, with his Ted Talk having been viewed over 1.6 million times. Previously, he worked in various roles in the British Government - in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, in the Policy Unit in 10 Downing Street, and in the Cabinet Office.

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, destabilizing 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 has written an essential reckoning. In a sweeping analysis full of historical insight, he argues that we cannot abandon growth but shows instead how we must redirect it, making it better reflect what we truly value. He explores what really drives growth and offers original ideas for combatting our economic slowdown.

'Growth – the lack of it, the search for it, the barriers to it – is the challenge at the core of most political debates and with which all politicians struggle. Susskind's study is a tour de force’ Gordon Brown     

‘Daniel Susskind writes with verve, style and conviction about one of the most important issues of our age’ Rory Stewart

‘This is a wonderfully elegant and authoritative explanation-cum-manifesto for what is perhaps the most important economic issue facing us today - the mystery of economic growth and what we need to do to solve it’ Andy Haldane

‘Daniel Susskind is a compelling, insightful thinker on the largest and most fundamental economic topics… agree or disagree, anyone who wants to engage with the broad direction of economic policy needs to reckon with Susskind’s views.’ Larry Summers

‘What type of economic growth we should pursue, how much of it, and for whose benefit will be crucial questions in the years to come… This well-written, thought-provoking book is essential reading for anybody interested in these epochal debates.’ Daron Acemoglu, author of WHY NATIONS FAIL