Theme: Political Economy | Content Type: Journal article

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Why the Everyday Economy is the Innovation Labour Needs

David Edgerton

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The foundational economy/everyday economy approach promises much for Labour. It is fitted for a world of crises, where control of real resources matters, and is in line with the social democratic tradition. It marks a radical break with the kind of approach which has characterised political economic policy since the 1980s (and indeed earlier). It represents an opportunity for Labour to articulate a fresh analysis, critique and policy offering. Rachel Reeves has deployed the everyday economy idea and this has found repeated expression in her speeches—and now those of Keir Starmer. And yet, the idea suggests a much more radical rethinking of policies than Labour is offering: it casts doubt on the wisdom of aiming for more growth to be achieved by unleashing start-ups, science and technology and innovation. That represents a return to conventional opinion while the foundational/everyday approach suggests a new way forward.

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    David Edgerton

    David Edgerton is Hans Rausing Professor of the History of Science and Technology and Professor of Modern British History, Department of History, King’s College London.

    Articles by David Edgerton
Volume 97,  Issue 1

Latest Journal

Volume 97, Issue 1

Contains a collection on the politics and policy of housing, edited by Christine Whitehead, Colm Murphy and Deborah Mabbett. This collection features contributors from geography, economics and politics, and from universities, think tanks, and independent academics. Contributors debate the roots of the housing crisis and illuminate housing policy dilemmas in the UK and elsewhere. Other articles in the issue include 'What Will it Take for a Woman to Become President of the United States?' by Rosie Campbell and Joni Lovenduski, and 'Unity and Division in the Public's Policy Preferences After the 2024 General Election' by Lotte Hargrave. In our Reports section, Darcy Luke and Nathan Critch explain what's wrong with Demos's report 'The Human Handbrake'. Finally, book reviews include Tim Bale's analysis of Conservatism, Christian Democracy, and the Dynamics of Transformation, edited by Gary Love and Christian Egander Skov.

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