The Measure of Progress: An Evening with Diane Coyle

Why do we use eighty-year-old metrics to understand today’s economy?

Join renowned economist Diane Coyle for the launch of her latest book, The Measure of Progress, which explores how outdated economic metrics are distorting our understanding of today’s digital economy. Developed in the 1940s, today’s frameworks that guide our economic statistics no longer align with the challenges of the modern world. Diane argues that these outdated tools hinder policymakers’ ability to accurately measure and address issues such as slowing growth, political tension, and the impact of technological innovation.

Diane calls for a new framework—one that reflects the realities of our economy today, emphasising the importance of intangible value and adjusting to the digital age. She explains how improving economic statistics is vital for shaping better policies and ensuring more equitable growth for all. This is a must-attend event and read for anyone interested in the future of economics, democracy, and society.

Diane will be joined in conversation by Gillian Tett.

Professor Dame Diane Coyle is the Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge. She co-directs the Bennett Institute for Public Policy, where she leads research on progress and productivity. Diane is also a member of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Council, New Towns Taskforce, and advises the Competition and Markets Authority. She is the author of the bestseller, “GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History”.

Dr Gillian Tett is Provost of King’s College, Cambridge. An anthropologist by training, Gillian was previously Chairman of the US Editorial Board and America Editor-at-Large at the Financial Times. Alongside her role as Provost, she continues to write a weekly column and is a member of the editorial board for the FT, as well as an author.

The Measure of Progress: Counting What Really Matters, is published by Princeton University Press, and will be released on 1 April 2025.