Adam Smith 250: Future of the Economy Symposium
The Adam Smith Global Foundation is marking the 250th anniversary of the publication of The Wealth of Nations with a day of events in Adam Smith’s hometown of Kirkcaldy.
Taking place on Friday 5 June 2026, the Future of the Economy Symposium will bring together leading economists, policy thinkers, public figures, and Nobel Laureates to reflect on Smith’s enduring legacy and to consider the major economic challenges shaping the future.
Registration is available here:
https://www.adamsmithglobalfoundation.com/250won
Programme
Day Panel
Beveridge Suite, 1.30pm–3.00pm
This opening panel will feature a rare and distinguished gathering of authorities on Adam Smith, who will discuss the continuing relevance of The Wealth of Nations and its place in contemporary economic thought. The session will include audience Q&A.
Speakers include:
- Professor Ronald MacDonald, University of Glasgow
- Professor Craig Smith, University of Glasgow
- Jim Walker, Chief Economist, Aletheia Capital Limited
- Professor Karen Turner, Professor and Director of the Centre for Energy Policy, University of Strathclyde
- Chair: Professor Roger Mullin
Masterclasses
Beveridge Suite, 3.30pm–5.00pm
The afternoon masterclasses will offer participants the opportunity to hear directly from leading voices in economics, policy, and thought leadership. The session will include audience Q&A.
Speakers include:
- Professor Michael Spence, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, 2001
- Professor Larry Kramer, London School of Economics
- Professor Philippe Frouté, Université Paris-Est Créteil, speaking on “The French Roots of Adam Smith’s Political Economy: Enlightenment Philosophy and Economic Thought”
- Professor Piotr Kardasz, University College of Professional Education, speaking on “The Invisible Algorithm: Adam Smith in the Digital Age”
- Chair: Professor Robbie Mochrie, The Library of Mistakes
Evening Event
Main Auditorium, 7.00pm–9.00pm
The flagship evening event will feature an ambitious discussion on the future of the economy, led by Ed Balls and Stephanie Flanders. They will be joined by the Governor of the Bank of England and Nobel Prize-winning economists for a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges and opportunities facing the global economy.
Speakers include:
- Ed Balls, broadcaster, economist, and former politician
- Stephanie Flanders, Head of Economics and Politics at Bloomberg News and former BBC Economics Editor
- Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England
- Professor Sir Christopher Pissarides, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, 2010
- Professor Larry Kramer, London School of Economics
- Professor Michael Spence, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, 2001
Green Growth Policy Lab (in Person, Edinburgh)
The Scottish Economic Society and the Government Economic Service are hosting a Green Growth Policy Lab on Thursday 4 June 2026 in Edinburgh.
This event will bring together academics and policymakers to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with green economic growth.
Key themes include:
- The energy transition
- Skills for green jobs
- Investment and trade
- How we model the “green economy”
📅 Thursday 4 June (10:00–15:30)
📍 Victoria Quay, Leith, Edinburgh
🎟️ Free to attend
Whether you’re working on these issues in research or policy, this is a chance to connect, exchange ideas, and shape the conversation between research and policy communities working on green growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy. The event is free to attend, and registration is open via Eventbrite here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/green-growth-policy-lab-event-tickets-1985439211127