48th Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture to Explore Barbados’ Pathway to Sustainable Economic Growth

The Central Bank of Barbados' long-running Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture series returns to the Frank Collymore Hall on Monday, November 27, at 6:30 p.m. with a discussion on "Directing Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth: A Mission-Oriented Approach.” The lecture will be given by Mariana Mazzucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London (UCL).

"We are pleased to once again be hosting the lecture in person after three years of having to do so virtually and are very excited to mark the occasion with Professor Mazzucato as our speaker," announced Novaline Brewster, the Bank's Chief of Corporate Communications. 

Mazzucato, who is also Founding Director of the UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose (IIPP), is known for her non-traditional views on the role of government in innovation and in driving economic growth. She argues that governments should view its major challenges as "missions," and as such use an all-of-Government approach akin to the US Government's efforts to put a man on the moon in the mid-20th century. Her work influenced the European Union’s Horizon Europe initiative and United States Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s proposed Green New Deal.

"Professor Mazzucato is a distinguished economist and advisor to governments and policymakers across the globe, including our own. That makes her very familiar with the obstacles we face,” said Brewster.

The London-based economist recently collaborated with Government to author a paper entitled “A Mission-Oriented Strategy for Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in Barbados” that outlines six missions the island should adopt. These missions would address climate issues, social cohesion, food and water insecurity, mental and physical health challenges and the associated social instability, financial marginalisation and worker vulnerability, and unequal access to technology.

"This lecture gives every Barbadian the opportunity to not only hear from this experienced and dynamic speaker, but to engage with her on the ideas and suggestions she has put forward about the path our country should take. We encourage everyone to come out."