4see workshop on economic growth
This workshop was run by Arup Foresight as part of the lunchtime series of the strategic futures network, FAN Club 2.0 (registration page). The network aims to provide a place for civil servants, academics and those from business and the voluntary sector to exchange information about good practice in the field and to network with futurists with a wider perspective.
According to the government’s independent climate change advisory body, the target of CO2 emissions by 2025 should be a 50% reduction on 1990, yet there is much contention over whether this is beneficial or unacceptability bad for the economy. Ministers have struggled to reach a common view on what to do to continue progress towards meeting the proposed target of an 80% reduction by 2050.
How does economic growth come about? What level of growth is deemed sufficient before we invest in emission-reduction measures? Does business need only a level playing field of regulation or would some measures damage growth?
Simon Roberts of Arup Foresight introduced the 4see methodology, which draws on analysis of past Gross Domestic Product and other data to identify and explore the impact of various investment choices. Breakout groups considered questions of future growth in demand for services, automation trends in the service sector and options for employment.
Dowload the presentation here
