The idea of 'degrowth' is commonly misunderstood. In this introductory episode, William will discuss the concept of degrowth and answer any questions and comments on the 'degrowth' movement and its policies. With an economy that is dangerously smashing ecological boundaries, grossly unfair and unequal and unable to...

One of the major decisions affecting Scotland post-independence is whether or not it should join/re-join the European Union. The economic case has not been proved, it has not even been discussed. There is no doubt that Brexit had a huge and unnecessary negative impact on the Scottish economy. But this does not mean that being [...]The post Scotland in the EU the economic case has yet to be made...

Fred S Lee is one of those brilliant economists that you have never heard of. And the reason is down to mainstream economists. Fred's work was based on the real-world economy. Conversations with business people on how they set prices. An understanding of state money and its role in the economy. He was, as unlike a...

Over the last year, the Scottish Government prospectus for a Scottish currency and a central bank has shifted. An independent Scotland WILL have both its own currency and central bank. We discuss what practical impact this change in policy will have on the move towards monetary independence in Scotland. Economist...

Microeconomics is the study of institutions like firms, markets and prices. Classical macroeconomics is based on classical microeconomics. What happens at the individual level for individuals and firms is simply extrapolated to create the whole economy. So you would imagine that the microeconomic foundations of...

In the classical economic model, inflation can only be caused by workers. Profits can not be inflationary. Also, the interest rate is the only way to reduce inflation. But what if what the model says should happen is not actually happening? Welcome to the real world. Dirk Ents explains the real causes of inflation...

Julie Froud is Professor at Manchester Business School and has been a member of the Centre for Research on Socio-Cultural Change. Along with other colleagues, Professor Froud has written a book that looks at the monumental changes in British society over the last few decades. Why Nothing Works considers: 1. Why we...

Join Steve Keen as we unpick the role of economists in the climate crisis.

A tour-de-force with a leading American academic (with a very soft spot) for Scotland that discusses the huge power that our financial services exercise in our economy. Bob has drafted US legislation on Financial Services, and we ask Bob to re-imagine the financial services industry and corporate governance in an...

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Clara Mattei, Assistant Professor in Economics at The New School for Social Research. William and Clara discuss her brilliant new book, The Capital Order: How Economists Invented Austerity and Paved the Way to Fascism ...

Ben Wrey from the Gig Economy Project gives us a rundown on the impact of the gig economy. Ben will talk about the wider impact on the economy as well as those who choose and those who have no option but to take part in precarious work.

Quinn's book plots a history, present and future where capitalism flourishes without the shadow of democracy being cast over it. As the wealthy seek these low or zero tax, zero regulations, countries or hubs, and they hope that the rest of the world follows. And if not, they are already creating their own "zones"....

In this episode, we look at how the UK Government is funded. Is it funded by your taxes and borrowing money? Or do taxes and debt play very different roles? Find out how the UK is funded and how that funding is accounted for. Surely the government doesn't just "print money" every time it needs to spend? - The...

Demystifying the economy It is clear to everyone that our economy is broken. We see the growing gap between the richest in society and everyone else. Demystifying the economy is how we fix our broken economic system.  We see and maybe even feel the daily struggle to make ends meet. At the same time, we [...]The post Demystifying the economy appeared first on Scotonomics.

Taking place from Dundee and availale online too our Festival of Economics has over 30 speakers and over 20 sessions across three days in Dundee. Full programme details: scotonomics.scot/live-events/

with James Plunkett, Executive Director of Advice and Advocacy, Citizens Advice and Author of "End State - 9 Ways Society Is Broken and How We Fix It.

Chris highlights three major problems with energy. It is too expensive, too much of the profit disappears from the local community and of course, too much of it is currently generated from fossil fuels.

Using the successful Danish example of local "natural" energy grids, Chris from Island Power discusses how the...

In this week's episode, we chat with Sarah O'Conner from the FT. Sarah is a columnist, reporter, and associate editor at the Financial Times. We discuss the impact of weakening unions on good jobs. The impact of UK Government policies and if the Scottish Government can really transform it's economy while labour...

The 'Edinburgh Reforms' were unveiled by UK Chancellor in December as the "next chapter for UK Financial Services" What exactly will these reforms mean for the financial services sector in the UK? What impact will they have in the broader economy? And how will they protect or endanger the UK from another financial...

The Scottish Government’s Just Transition is a broad and ambitious plan to transform Scotland’s economy, environment and society in a way that tackles poverty, levels up communities and regions across the country and leaves no one behind. However, this admirable and grand ambition is unlikely to be achieved for...