The next Perspectives on Science seminar will be held together with The ReSES project, and Diane Coyle (University of Cambridge) will give a lecture titled “The Measure of Progress”, based on her book The Measure of Progress: Counting What Really Matters (2025).

The seminar takes place only online via Zoom from 14:15 to 15:45 on Monday the 2nd of June 2025.

Perspectives on Science is a research seminar which brings together experts from the philosophy of science and several fields of science studies. It is organized by TINT – Centre for Philosophy of Social Science at the University of Helsinki. More information about the seminar can be found on the TINT webpage https://tint.helsinki.fi.

The ReSES project aims to rethink how economics can better serve society. The project’s Argumenta Distinguished Lectures series provides a platform for leading experts to present ideas that challenge conventional economic thought and promote societal well-being.

Read more about the event, Coyle’s book, and The ReSES project here.

What: “The Measure of Progress” by Diane Coyle

When: Monday 02.06.2025 from 2 to 4 pm (EEST, Helsinki time)

Where: Zoom.

Zoom link: https://helsinki.zoom.us/j/61931407064?pwd=4ItMhJnNP78TSxXRZL7ZoIGPQxI9JQ.1

Abstract:

The ways that statisticians and governments measure the economy were developed in the 1940s, when the urgent economic problems were entirely different from those of today. In her talk, Diane Coyle will argue that the framework underpinning today’s economic statistics is so outdated that it functions as a distorting lens, or even a set of blinkers. When policymakers rely on such an antiquated conceptual tool, how can they measure, understand, and respond with any precision to what is happening in today’s digital economy? Coyle will make the case for a new framework, one that takes into consideration current economic realities.

Coyle will explain why economic statistics matter and argue that to understand the current economy, we need different data collected in a different framework of categories and definitions, and she will offer some suggestions about what this would entail. She will argue that only with a new approach to measurement will we be able to achieve the right kind of growth for the benefit of all.

Bio:

Professor Diane Coyle is the Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge. Professor Coyle co-directs the Bennett Institute where she heads research under the themes of progress and productivity. Coyle is also a Director of the Productivity Institute, a Fellow of the Office for National Statistics, and an expert adviser to the National Infrastructure Commission. She has served in public service roles including as Vice Chair of the BBC Trust, member of the Competition Commission, of the Migration Advisory Committee and of the Natural Capital Committee. Coyle was Professor of Economics at the University of Manchester until March 2018 and was awarded a DBE for her contribution to economic policy in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours. 

If you have any questions about the seminar, do not hesitate to contact mirja-leena.zgurskaya@helsinki.fi.