The IGP's first ever MOOC, 'Global Prosperity Beyond GDP' starts on the 20th November. The course will consist of videos, articles and discussion, with participators from around the world, and is free and open to anyone. Explore more, and register here.
Economic growth is no longer the best indicator of broader success. By 2050, the global population will reach 10 billion and we may face environmental crisis. If we are to thrive, and not just survive, into the next century, we will need new tools and new ways of thinking to tackle the challenges of today and ensure a successful and prosperous future for everyone. This course explores these new ways of thinking.
There are four parts to the course spread across four weeks. The first week explores how GDP came to be the dominant indicator of success, and looks at some of the problems this is causing today. The second week asks, "if not GDP then what?", examining other measurements that have been prosposed as alternatives to GDP, and examining the IGP's approach to building an understanding of prosperity. Weeks three and four look at the changes to the economy that need to be made, for both environmental and social reasons, and examines where we are already making a start.
The course is taught by leading prosperity academics and stakeholders such as Professor Tim Jackson, Kate Raworth, Professor Diane Coyle, CEO of Social Progress Imperative Michael Green, CEO of Forum for the Future Jonathon Porritt, and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. The teaching is led by professor Henrietta Moore.