Celebrated economist and author, Carlota Perez, joins Azeem Azhar to discuss the nature of techno-economic paradigm shifts and the potential for a new Golden Age. They delve into topics such as the new welfare state, the impact of universal basic income on innovation, and the progress towards stakeholder capitalism. They also explore rethinking capitalism, the dimensions of global development, and the expansion of universities in developing countries. Exciting insights on the intersection of technology, economics, and social progress.
Transitioning to a new golden age requires the state to play an active role in shaping innovation, modernization, and fostering the desired changes for the benefit of both business and society.
A potential new golden age can be achieved by combining innovation, smart green growth, and global development, with the state introducing regulations, tax reforms, and funding for emerging needs in areas such as cooperative systems and social security.
Deep dives
The stages of technological change
Technological revolutions occur when the previous revolution is exhausted. They bring new innovations, productivity improvements, and changes to industries and lifestyles. Each revolution sets up an infrastructure and leads to a period of experimentation and installation, followed by a bubble and subsequent collapse. After the collapse, a recessive period of job losses, inequality, and unrest occurs. This period is a turning point where new technologies become the instrument for solving previous problems. Eventually, a golden age of capitalism emerges, driven by government direction, improved social conditions, and a win-win game between society and business.
Current phase and potential for a new golden age
We are currently in a turning point phase between the collapse and the golden age. Signs of a potential new golden age include the growing concern for well-being and stakeholder capitalism and the opportunity for innovation and lifestyle changes related to environmental sustainability. To achieve this, directions for convergence in innovation, smart green growth, and full global development are needed. Governments must introduce regulations and tax reforms to encourage long-term investment, promote inclusive growth, and fund the emerging needs of digital natives in areas such as cooperative systems and social security. The state needs to play an active role in shaping the golden age, fostering innovation, and modernizing for the benefit of both business and society.
Challenges and changes in the state's role
Transitioning to a new golden age requires changes in how the state conceives its role. The state should innovate in institutions, create favorable conditions for development, and regulate the financial sector. Taxation reforms can discourage short-term financial operations and encourage long-term investments. Changes in intellectual property and monopoly rules are necessary to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth. The state needs to attract innovative and creative individuals and cooperate with businesses to foster the desired changes. The goal is to establish a society that prioritizes health, creativity, experiences, and environmental sustainability while adopting renting-based models and reducing resource consumption.
Growing optimism for the future
Despite the challenges, there is a growing tide of optimism for the future. Society is pushing for positive change in business and government. The shift towards stakeholder capitalism, concern for well-being, and increasing awareness of environmental opportunities indicate positive progress. However, the emergence of leaders who can effect significant transformation is still a concern. Nevertheless, the tide is turning, and there is hope for a new golden age driven by technology, innovation, and a focus on social and environmental sustainability.
How do we exploit the technological revolution for green growth and global development? Celebrated economist, author, and scholar, Carlota Perez joins Azeem Azhar to discuss the nature of techno-economic paradigm shifts and current progress in the cycle of technological revolution. Perez is the author of one of the most influential books on the subject, “Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital.”
In this podcast, Carlota and Azeem also discuss:
The new welfare state.
How universal basic income could increase innovation.