BU Research Blog

Dr Peter Howard-Jones delivers an AFE BUBS research seminar with the title “The United Kingdom Productivity Paradox: Myth or Reality,” at 2.00-3.15pm, Tuesday 26 March, Bournemouth Gateway Building 113 (first floor), Lansdowne, Bournemouth University.

Abstract
“Whilst the financial crisis was a catastrophic event in the global economy and in particular the UK with its pre-eminent banking sector, there are historical key events that may hold THE KEY TO CURRENT TRENDS TO UK PRODUCTIVITY AND THE LABOUR MARKET. The infrastructure changes in the 1980’s, poor regulation of the financial sector from 1986 to the present day, the 30 years experiment in private finance initiatives and the privatisation of national infrastructure now in the hands of foreign investors, may well be more important catalysts than the financial crisis itself. Following on from the financial crash came Brexit wielding a further blow to an economy already in crisis with key infrastructure under significant pressure as politicians from all parties claimed the solution lies in economic growth. Whilst this is a truism this relies on investment spending and the United Kingdom’s record in both public and private sectors is lamentable. Couple this with increasing inequality and reducing social mobility and a pattern of economic and societal decline is established. The reality lies in a new paradigm which needs introducing into the economic lexicon which includes human and social capital. THE GOAL OF IMPROVING UK PRODUCTIVITY IN THE LABOUR MARKET lies in a sense of place (regionalisation) and the creation of distributive mechanisms that provide a platform for WORKFORCE INCENTIVISATION and in turn affordable GOVERNMENT REVENUE collection.”

“The abstract above represents some productivity research that I did some years ago (at BU) which was published in The Journal of Economic Perspectives. What I want at the seminar is a robust discussion about an extension to this work which Conor and I are discussing involving the whole gamut of the UK economy and the effect on productivity. So, some key words in no particular order: Neoliberalism, populism, inequality, income distribution, taxation, infrastructure, investment, social capital, human capital, and the elephant in the room or not as is the case for the two main political parties, Brexit. Please feel free to come with your own key words.” Dr Peter Howard-Jones.

Dr Peter Howard-Jones recognised long-term contributions at BU are as: an ECR, a research award (2021) links with LSE, institutional economist, inspiring historical economics context, exceptional analytical thinking; lectures and highly engaging facilitative debating seminars, who is contactable about or after this lecture or with ideas on the above stated discussion on ‘an extension to this work’ research. Email phowardjones@bournemouth.ac.uk

RSVP organiser (if not done so) Professor Davide Parrilli
dparrilli@bournemouth.ac.uk
M. Davide Parrilli, PhD (B’ham), MPhil (Sussex), SFHEA, FeRSA
Professor of Regional Economic Development
BUBS PhD Programme Coordinator
BUBS Output Champion
Professorial Member of BU Senate
Bournemouth University Business School
AACSB Accredited; SBC Accredited; EFMD Member
& Editorial Board/AE of “European Planning Studies”

Note: A welcome independent posting/photo by FV for AFE BUBS