Showing 1 - 10 of 39
Building capacity where it counts
Oped, Mariana Mazzucato & Rainer Kattel, Published on 06/10/2025
» After years of underinvestment, governments around the world are struggling to keep pace with growing demands. The consequences are now widely evident, as underfunded and unprepared public agencies falter whenever crises strike. The problem is not "slimming" government down, but rather rendering it more capable, strategic, outcome-oriented and a good partner in solving the greatest problems of our time: providing adequate housing for all, strengthening climate resilience and ensuring that technology makes all our lives better, not just a few "bros" richer.
State entities too complex to be treated as startups
Oped, Mariana Mazzucato and Rainer Kattel, Published on 17/04/2025
» Around the world, governments are trying to reinvent themselves in the image of business. Elon Musk's DOGE crusade in the United States is quite explicit on this point, as is Argentina's chainsaw-wielding president, Javier Milei. But one also hears similar rhetoric in the United Kingdom, where Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden wants the government to foster a "test-and-learn" culture and move towards performance-based management.
Singers who inspire the plant kingdom
Roger Crutchley, Published on 16/03/2025
» In last week's item about Thailand's talented Blackpink singer Lisa I failed to mention that Chiang Mai University researchers have named a newly discovered flower after her. It is of the custard apple variety and scientifically named Friesodielsia lalisae.
Resisting digital feudalism in artificial intelligence
Oped, Mariana Mazzucato, Published on 13/02/2025
» This month's AI Action Summit in Paris comes at a critical juncture in the development of artificial intelligence. At issue is not whether Europe can compete with China and the United States in an AI arms race; it is whether Europeans can pioneer a different approach that puts public value at the centre of technological development and governance. The task is to move away from digital feudalism, the term I coined back in 2019 to describe the dominant digital platforms' model of rent extraction.
Growth requires getting PPPs right
Oped, Mariana Mazzucato, Published on 03/01/2025
» The United Kingdom's Labour government has given serious thought to the public investment needed to get the economy back on track after 14 years of austerity, neglect of social infrastructure, and capital flight triggered by Brexit and uncertain economic conditions.
Olympic tiddlywinks
Oped, Postbag, Published on 02/08/2024
» Re: "Hip-hop vibe: Breakers get single shot at glory in Paris", (Sports, July 10).
A good time to get the brollies out
Roger Crutchley, Published on 15/10/2023
» After having woken up to the sound of thunderclaps and heavy rain the other morning it seems appropriate to continue with the wet weather theme following last week's in depth column on wellies.
What local governments need to lead properly
Oped, Mariana Mazzucato & James Anderson, Published on 08/07/2023
» Local governments are manning the front lines of our most important global battles -- from managing severe weather and other climate shocks to preparing for the next pandemic, ensuring health for all, rectifying longstanding racial inequities, and addressing housing affordability. Urban areas now account for over half the world's population, and their governments are uniquely positioned to understand and address their own communities' needs.
How to finance the needs of the common good
Oped, Mariana Mazzucato, Published on 05/05/2023
» The Internationa Monetary Fund (IMPF) and the World Bank recently held their annual spring meetings, which, according to the organisers, produced a "strong message of confidence and a willingness to cooperate". But lofty rhetoric and good intentions will not be enough to create a truly inclusive and sustainable economy fit for the 21st century. For that, deep structural change is needed.
Consultancy 'warp' drive deepens crisis of capitalism
News, Mariana Mazzucato Rosie Collington, Published on 13/03/2023
» In recent years, McKinsey & Company has become a household name -- but for all the wrong reasons. One of the "Big Three" consulting firms, its work for major corporations and governments has increasingly become a source of scandal and intrigue around the world.