Restarting the Future

This insightful exploration reveals how our outdated institutions hinder economic growth. Restarting the Future proposes innovative solutions to adapt to the intangible economy.

In Restarting the Future, authors Jonathan Haskel and Stian Westlake tackle the pressing economic challenges of our time. They explore how the last two decades have been marked by sluggish growth and increasing inequality, leading many to question the promises of a prosperous future. The book argues that these issues stem from a failure to adapt our institutions to an economy that is increasingly reliant on intangible assets, such as ideas, relationships, and knowledge.

The authors present a compelling case that the economic disappointments we face are a result of an incomplete transition from a physical capital-based economy. They highlight how our current institutions are still aligned with outdated practices, which hinders the growth of intangible investment. This stagnation not only makes the world poorer but also exacerbates inequality and increases vulnerability to global threats.

Restarting the Future offers innovative and practical solutions for navigating this intangible revolution. Haskel and Westlake provide a roadmap for financing businesses, enhancing urban environments, funding scientific research, reforming monetary policies, and reshaping intellectual property regulations. Drawing from their extensive experience in finance and economic policymaking, the authors aim to inspire a new approach that can lead us toward a more equitable and prosperous future.