Rethinking the Serviceability of Economics to Society (SKR ARGUMENTA PROJECT)

Economics is both a contested discipline and one that enjoys exceptional societal authority, especially in policy making. Economics is now facing new pressures and challenges that require rethinking and adjusting its contents and procedures, communication strategies, and policy positions. These pressures derive from the ongoing major crises (pandemic, war, climate change, biodiversity loss) and future societal challenges (inequalities, food security, influence of big tech in markets and on democracy, ageing populations, AI and the future of work, etc.). The serviceability of economics – how well it is able to serve society (its usefulness) and how well it is served to society (via science communication and policy advice) – will depend on how it adjusts itself to the new challenges. A series of interdisciplinary events – panels, forums, lectures and a course – will be organised to address these issues.

Economics is both a contested discipline and one that enjoys exceptional societal authority, especially in policy making. Economics is now facing new pressures and challenges that require rethinking and adjusting its contents and procedures, communication strategies, and policy positions. These pressures derive from the ongoing major crises (pandemic, war, climate change, biodiversity loss) and future societal challenges (inequalities, food security, influence of big tech in markets and on democracy, ageing populations, AI and the future of work, etc.). The serviceability of economics – how well it is able to serve society (its usefulness) and how well it is served to society (via science communication and policy advice) – will depend on how it adjusts itself to the new challenges. A series of interdisciplinary events – panels, forums, lectures and a course – will be organised to address these issues.