81. Can Starmer’s mission-led government fix the economy?
Aug 4, 2024
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Mariana Mazzucato, an expert renowned for her concept of 'mission-led government', joins Robert and Steph to dissect Labour’s ambitious five missions. They delve into whether these initiatives can genuinely stimulate economic growth. Mazzucato critiques the current spending audit and highlights the importance of large-scale public investments for societal benefits. The conversation emphasizes collaboration as a driving force for innovation, drawing parallels to successful partnerships like AstraZeneca and Oxford University during the pandemic.
The effectiveness of a mission-led government hinges on transforming ambitious goals into actionable strategies that attract genuine investment.
A focus on long-term planning and measurable outcomes is essential for a productive investment environment and reducing economic disparities.
Deep dives
The Concept of Mission-Led Government
The idea of mission-led government is presented as a vital approach for driving economic growth and innovation. It is emphasized that simply using the term 'mission' is insufficient; the missions must catalyze both public and private sector investment. The specific example of Britain's aim to become a clean superpower was highlighted as a mission that aligns well with clear objectives. However, the real challenge lies in converting such missions into actionable strategies that can inspire genuine investment in various sectors, rather than merely serving as political rhetoric.
Private Sector Investment Challenges
The discussion surfaces concerns around the lack of private sector investment in the UK, which remains below the OECD average. It is pointed out that the current economic model allows businesses to prioritize profits without significant investments, especially in a super-financialized economy. Without clear objectives and measurable outcomes linked to government tools such as loans and subsidies, businesses may remain uninspired to invest in growth. Therefore, establishing strong incentives and accountability measures for the private sector is crucial for fostering a productive investment environment.
Redefining Health Missions
The concept of health missions is explored with a focus on measurable goals, such as reducing health inequalities. A proposed mission to cut health inequalities significantly over a specified period could galvanize stakeholders across various sectors. It is noted that successful missions should operate beyond institutional frameworks to create systemic changes that address fundamental issues. The lesson drawn from other public initiatives suggests that clear metrics and well-defined objectives are necessary to guide effective mission development in the healthcare sector.
Investment Strategies and Economic Health
The podcast highlights the importance of strategically aligning public sector investment with long-term economic growth goals. Cutting perceived 'waste' in public spending may seem beneficial in the short term, but such measures can hinder overall growth if they neglect critical investments. An approach focused solely on addressing short-term financial gaps overlooks the need for robust, mission-oriented investment that can stimulate both public and private sectors. Establishing a culture of long-term planning is essential for ensuring that government initiatives yield sustainable economic benefits and drive innovation.
Mariana Mazzucato, who created the concept of "mission-led government", talks to Robert and Steph about Labour’s five missions and whether they will work, what Rachel Reeves should have done instead of her spending audit announcement and how devolved powers can change a government’s mission.
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