Can we make growth more inclusive? A trans-Atlantic perspective

C-SPAN covered this event live. Watch the video here.

On December 20, the Center on the United States and Europe (CUSE) at Brookings hosted noted professor of economics Philippe Aghion for the 13th annual Raymond Aron Lecture. In his remarks, Aghion explored whether economic growth in both the United States and Europe can become more inclusive and egalitarian. He offered analysis and perspective on the relationship between growth and inequality, including the role that education, competitive markets, and labor market participation play in enhancing growth and social mobility. Following Aghion’s address, Executive Director of the Washington Center for Equitable Growth Heather Boushey provided remarks in response.

Philippe Aghion is a professor of economics at Collège de France and previously was the Robert C. Waggoner Professor at Harvard University (2002-2015). His research focuses on the economics of growth. With Peter Howitt, he pioneered the so-called Schumpeterian Growth paradigm which has been used to analyze growth policies and the role of the state. Much of this work is summarized in their books “Endogenous Growth Theory and The Economics of Growth” (MIT Press, 1998, 2009), in his book with Rachel Griffith, “Competition and Growth” (MIT Press, 2006), and in “Repenser l’Etat” (Seuil, 2011). Heather Boushey is executive director and chief economist at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth. Her research focuses on economic inequality and public policy, specifically employment, social policy, and family economic well-being. Her latest book is “Finding Time: The Economics of Work-Life Conflict” (Harvard University Press, 2016).

Brookings Vice President Bruce Jones and Visiting Fellow Philippe Le Corre provided introductory remarks. Brookings Senior Fellow in Economic Studies David Wessel moderated the discussion. After the program, panelists took audience questions.

The Raymond Aron lecture series, named after the renowned scholar of post-war France, annually features leading French and American personalities speaking on current issues affecting the trans-Atlantic relationship.