'From Paralysis to Preparation' workshop in Oxford

On 1st November 2018, the Pathways for Prosperity Commission held an interactive workshop at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford, UK, as part of the School's annual Challenges of Government Conference. The workshop, entitled: From Paralysis to Preparation: charting pathways for inclusive growth, examined how to turn the potential risks of technological change into opportunities for inclusive development. It asked: how can high-tech solutions be harnessed for the benefit of developing countries, rather than threatening jobs?

The workshop was run by six discussion leaders, including: Pathways Commissioner Shanta Deverajan, the Commission's Academic Directors Benno Ndulu and Stefan Dercon, the Commission's Head of Secretariat Rafat Al-Akhali, the Commission's official observer, Vera Songwe, and the Blavatnik School's Departmental Lecturer in Public Policy, Craig Holmes.

The group discussions delved into the roles that private sector, regional/ international organisations, government and civil society can play in:

- helping prepare countries for new technologies

- opening up pathways for entrepreneurs

- facilitating international cooperation on technological progress

- preparing the foundations for inclusive growth