6 Jul 2019

Should We Believe in the Future?

Debate 2

At this time of distress and generalized doubt, we may have reached an unprecedented negative vision of the world future, particularly in the Western word. Global economy slowdown, global warming, international trade turmoil, geostrategic tensions, rising inequalities, nationalist parties accessing to power… We do not lack reasons to despair. Worst, considering the complexity and difficulty to tackle jointly all these issues, we may find it easier to adapt to consequences rather than solve them. How can we mobilize all economic agents, on the long term, on major contemporary issues.

If the news mainstream treatment often lack distance, we should remember that our time offers unprecedented opportunities in term of development and social inclusion. How can we restore an optimistic vision for the future ? Is there any indication we can rely on to anticipate further innovation and progress? Is economic performance based on the level of trust in the future within societies? Are developing countries necessarily more confident in their future than the most advanced ones? What instrument should we rely on to renew the quest for progress : technology, human capital, new institutions?

Coordination


Philippe AGHION

Membre

Cercle des économistes

Biography

Moderator


Nicolas BARRÉ

Editor in chief

Les Echos

Biography

Speakers


Thierry BOLLORE

Chief Executive Officer

Groupe Renault

Biography

Anna EKSTRÖM

Minister for Education

Sweden

Biography

Valérie PECRESSE

President

Paris Region

Biography

Benoit POTIER

Chief Executive Officer

Air Liquide

Biography
All the speakers

Contributions

Debate 2 – Should we Believe in the Future ?

The recent period is one of gloom and pessimism on the future in France and in Europe: a low growth rate in the Eurozone, the increasing polarization of wealth, the acceleration of global warming, renewed commercial and geostrategic tensions, and an inexorable rise of populisms. In the face of the complexity and difficulty in meeting all these challenges, the temptation is strong to give up and to adapt to circumstances.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yeqedi7hy-I&list=PL3YBt-EW6CgQbnDytDjcrWPSNLd2wY2Jd&index=5