General Conferences:New EADI Virtual Dialogue: Towards a Wellbeing Economics. How and why we need to do economics differently, 28 October, 12.00 CET
In this virtual dialogue, Dr Nicky Pouw introduces her new book on 'Wellbeing Economics', which fosters us to rethink the fundamental principles of the economics discipline. She moves beyond the criticism to introduce new axiomatic principles and a theoretical framework for reorienting economics towards the optimisation of wellbeing, instead of a narrow growth focus. Her design of a 'Wellbeing Economics Matrix' lays the foundation of a robust methodology for analysing distribution and sustainability questions à priori, instead of as afterthoughts. As such, the proposals made go over and beyond proposing new indicators of economic performance, as this would not be sufficient for the paradigmatic shift she envisions. 'Wellbeing Economics' implies reconfiguring the practice of economics by creating room and reason for associative thinking (apart from linear), designing more versatile economic models, applying a broader range of quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques, and engaging in interdisciplinary research.
As part of Dr Pouw's presentation of the book's central premise, Dr Hannington Odame will respond to the issues raised in the book, giving the audience additional perspectives. Dr Odame is the founding member and the Executive Director of Kenya-based Centre for African Bio-Entrepreneurship. He leads initiatives on capacity building of smallholder farmers and youth agri-preneurs and facilitates their linkages to information, markets, and policy on tree, crop and livestock value chains. He is also the Regional Coordinator of Agricultural Policy Research in Africa.
Read the blog post by Nicky Pouw "Economics (really) needs to change"
Dr Nicky Pouw is Associate Professor in Economics of Wellbeing at the Governance and Inclusive Development research programme (GID) of the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Amsterdam. She is a development economist with over 25 years of research experience in international development studies, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa. She currently leads a number of research projects which collaborate with local governors, ministries, NGOs, civil society organisations and other stakeholders on the ground. Besides these applied projects, she is deeply engaged in pushing the scientific and public debates on inclusive development and rethinking the economy from a broader wellbeing perspective.
We realise that the timezones will not suit all who wish to attend. If you cannot make this virtual dialogue, please sign up to receive a recording. And if you would like to ask a question but can’t be at the event please email us.