How to tackle low productivity and growth

Institute for Government

Why is the UK’s rate of growth so low? What can be done to solve the ‘productivity puzzle?’ How can the government close the UK’s regional economic divides? And can politicians ever reach consensus on these vital questions? In an event hosted by the Institute for Government and the Policy Institute at King’s College London, Bronwen Maddox is joined by David Sainsbury and Ed Balls for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion at the IfG. Lord Sainsbury, the founder and chairman of the Institute for Government, and minister of science and innovation from 1998–2006, presents the striking conclusions of his new book Windows of Opportunity: How nations create wealth. Ed Balls, education secretary from 2007–10 and shadow chancellor from 2010–15, who describes Windows of Opportunity as "a call to arms to policy makers", sets out his thoughts on what governments can do to drive – and avoid hindering – growth and productivity.