XClose

UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose

Home
Menu

A collective response to our global challenges: a common good and ‘market-shaping’ approach

This working paper argues that an objective-oriented economy requires a market-shaping approach and addresses the implications for key global challenges, from climate change to pandemics.

WP2301

9 January 2023

Download working paper

A collective response to our global challenges: a common good and ‘market-shaping’ approach

UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) Working Paper Series: IIPP WP 2023/01

Author:

  • Mariana Mazzucato | Founding Director and Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP)

Reference:

Mazzucato, M. (2023). "A collective response to our global challenges: a common good and ‘market-shaping’ approach". UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, Working Paper Series (IIPP WP 2023-01). https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/public-purpose/wp2023-01.

Abstract:

To effectively address the grand challenges of our time, we cannot simply tinker around the edges by fixing market failures. We must actively shape markets to deliver on the objective of generating more sustainable and inclusive growth. This paper argues that an objective-oriented economy requires a market-shaping approach; one that accompanies the concept of the public good with the common good framing that is needed to design the interface for this collaboration. This is about structuring the conditions and governance mechanisms that shape the capabilities, tools, institutions and partnerships needed to take concrete action. Building collective intelligence into these dimensions ex-ante is essential for maximising public value for all actors involved. This paper sets out how a market-shaping and common good framing can be conceptualised and brought together. Importantly, missions can be used to orient and coordinate policies, institutions, innovation and investments around clear, ambitious and measurable goals. Further, this paper addresses the implications for key global challenges, from climate change to pandemics.