Ian Goldin

Ian Goldin offers a forward-looking perspective, drawing from cutting-edge research at Oxford and beyond. His talks illuminate significant societal and technological shifts expected in the coming decades, focusing on their implications for businesses, governments, and individual choices.

Professor Goldin connects social and technological changes, reflecting on the lessons from thirty years of intense globalization. He explores whether the current trajectory of globalization will persist and assesses the sustainability of past trends.

His analysis begins with population and demographic trends, highlighting their impacts on pensions, retirement, dependency, and migration up to 2050. He then addresses economic trends, questioning if the present market instability is a temporary fluctuation or a sign of long-term patterns. Goldin also examines the rise of Asia and emerging markets, offering insights into economic growth and opportunities over the next decade. He explores how social, technological, and economic changes intersect with market growth and consumer behavior, providing fresh insights into the future of computing, biotechnology, nanotechnology, genetics, and other frontier technologies.

Ian Goldin emphasizes that this century holds the potential to be humanity's best or worst, depending on our actions. He highlights the major opportunities and advancements anticipated in the coming years, while also addressing the ethical and social implications of these changes. Goldin considers the public policy challenges posed by threats such as climate change, pandemics, and terrorism. He outlines the necessary measures to ensure that society can harness these opportunities for shared prosperity rather than facing destruction. Through his analysis, Goldin underscores the importance of proactive and inclusive strategies to navigate the complexities of the future.

Ian Goldin is a leading expert on the new forms of systemic risk emerging from accelerated globalization, increased connectivity, and rapid technological change. In his book, "The Butterfly Defect: Globalization and Systemic Risk," Goldin illustrates the need to rethink our understanding of risk. He argues for the development of new resilience strategies to prevent cascading shocks from overwhelming businesses and society. Goldin’s insights help identify potential vulnerabilities and propose measures to enhance global stability in an interconnected world.

Throughout history, migrants have been catalysts for human progress, driving innovation, spreading ideas, alleviating poverty, and establishing the foundations of a global economy. Looking ahead, Professor Ian Goldin explores the future development of labor markets and the implications for skills, education, and immigration, which he discusses in his recent book "Exceptional People," published by Princeton. Goldin delves into how migration will continue to shape economic and social landscapes, emphasizing the need for forward-thinking policies to harness the benefits of global mobility.