economy

‘Make people dream’: how to build an economy for the common good

Economist Prof Mariana Mazzucato says governments must ‘get back their mojo’ and believe they can change the world

‘Make people dream’: how to build an economy for the common good

TL;DR

  • Governments need a clear vision and purpose, not just slogans about economic growth.
  • Mariana Mazzucato proposes a 'common good economy' to tackle inequality and climate crises.
  • Governments should actively shape markets rather than being passive fixers.
  • The 'common good' is a shared objective, distinct from 'public goods' which are market corrections.
  • Neoliberalism led to people being treated as consumers instead of citizens, weakening the public sphere.
  • Innovation comes from both public and private sectors; the internet is an example of government-led innovation.
  • Reliance on consultants weakens governments and warps economies.
  • Mazzucato believes governments are not penalized by bond markets for smart investment strategies.
  • Current economic models treat climate change as externalities or a 'tragedy of the commons', rather than a design objective.
  • The problem is not growth itself, but growing in the wrong way; capitalism can be part of the solution.
  • Pre-distribution, ensuring fair shares from investments, is better than redistribution.
  • Community involvement, shared spaces, and collective structures are vital for human flourishing and joy.
  • Investing in public amenities like soccer pitches and libraries can improve health, reduce crime, and ultimately cost the state less.