Rethink

Margaret Heffernan, a Professor of Practice in Management and former CEO, discusses the chronic productivity issues plaguing the UK. She highlights that despite longer office hours, the UK's productivity lags behind countries like France and Germany. Heffernan explores the detrimental effects of negative management practices on employee potential and advocates for a culture that prioritizes creativity and engagement. The conversation also touches on the government's crucial role in fostering productivity through education and infrastructure reform.

Gus O’Donnell, a former Cabinet Secretary for the UK, brings deep insights into the evolving landscape of civil service. He tackles growing inefficiencies and public dissatisfaction while discussing the necessity for reform and agility within bureaucracies. O'Donnell emphasizes the importance of embracing failure for innovation, reflecting on the successful COVID vaccine rollout. He also explores the transformative potential of AI in government processes and advocates for a citizen-focused approach to modernize public service and restore trust.

Richard Hyde, founder of Thinkhouse.org and chair of Solihull Community Housing, discusses the UK's pressing housing crisis. He highlights the stark contrast between social housing and so-called 'affordable homes.' Hyde emphasizes the urgent need for more social housing, as only 10,000 units are built annually versus the required 90,000. The conversation explores innovative approaches like modular construction and successful models from Finland, aiming to inspire solutions that tackle the housing shortage and support the millions waiting for homes.

The podcast delves into the struggles of the liberal order in the 21st century, highlighting the rise of far-right populism in Europe and the return of familiar political figures in the U.S. Listeners are taken on a journey through the historical roots of liberalism and its evolution post-World War II. Key discussions revolve around the disillusionment with equality and social welfare promises, along with the disconnect between economic growth and individual well-being. Experts debate whether liberalism is in decline or on the brink of transformation.

Henry Farrell, an expert in international affairs from Johns Hopkins University, and Ed Conway, Sky News' economics editor, dive deep into the hidden frameworks of the global economy. They discuss how the US manipulates control over communication and finance, highlighting the power dynamics between the US and China over essential materials like rare earth elements. The conversation also examines vulnerabilities in supply chains exacerbated by recent global events, urging a reevaluation of economic strategies focused on foundational materials.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jess Morley, a postdoctoral research associate at the Yale Digital Ethics Centre, shares insights on the intersection of NHS data and AI's transformative potential in healthcare. They explore the complexities of using medical data for innovations like patient passports and early disease prevention. Jess emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and privacy safeguards while integrating AI. The conversation highlights both the promising benefits for patients and the challenges of ensuring that personal stories aren’t lost in the algorithm.

In 2024, more than two million crimes went unsolved in England and Wales, with police unable to identify a suspect. That figure has increased by 180,000 since 2022, despite there being 86,000 fewer crimes in the same period. So with detection rates down, and constant financial pressures on the police services across the UK, should crime prevention play a greater role in policing? Targeting preventable crimes and the people most likely to commit them, a process called "focused deterrence" is being trialled at five sites in England. Police services already have better intelligence resources available than in any time in history, and they are also working with care services and other agencies to flag up potential problems. How could crime prevention be taken further? Would a more academic approach to policing result in knowledge being spread more quickly, and how could police be better prepared for emerging crimes as society and technology change? Ultimately, could it lead to lower crime rates and financial savings, and is there any evidence to suggest it does either?Presenter: Ben Ansell Producer: Ivana Davidovic Editor: Clare FordhamContributors: Katrin Hohl, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at City University Alexander Murray, Threat Leadership at the National Crime Agency and the Chair of the Society for Evidence Based Policing Alex Sutherland, Professor in Practice Criminology & Public Policy at Oxford University Dr Rick Muir, Director of the Police Foundation

In this discussion, guest Ben Zhao, a Neubauer Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago and expert in generative AI, dives into the complex interactions between individuals and big tech companies. He explores how AI's increasing need for data raises ethical questions about privacy and copyright. Zhao highlights innovative solutions to protect creatives and the urgency for regulatory clarity. The conversation also touches on how tech benefits and societal trade-offs affect everyday life, prompting listeners to rethink their relationship with technology.

The UK has many world-leading museums that inspire wonder and fascination in their visitors. Many were originally created to display artefacts from empire or house the collections of their wealthy Victorian founders but recent decades have seen museums finding innovative ways to challenge what a modern museum can be. However, in tough economic times many museums are facing serious challenges. The sector is having to make the case for why museums should receive public money when there’s a lot less to go around. They are also facing criticism about who visits them, who curates them, and what objects they collect and display. What are museums for? Who are they for? And how can they teach us about our past whilst remaining relevant and exciting for today’s visitors? Presenter: Ben Ansell Producer: Viv Jones Editor: Clare Fordham Contributors: Sara Wajid, co-CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust Tony Butler, Director of Derby Museums Trust Stephen Bush, columnist and associate editor at the Financial Times

In this conversation, Sara Hobolt, a leading expert on European politics, and Paula Surridge, a political sociologist, dive deep into the evolving landscape of political labeling. They discuss how Britain's traditional left and right parties are struggling amid rising support for smaller parties, suggesting that these labels might be outdated. The duo examines how voters now seek alternatives that resonate with personal beliefs, driven by issues like immigration and social justice. They question whether a shared political sphere is feasible without common terms.