Edward Glaeser on skills and entrepreneurship

Edward Glaeser is the world’s leading urban economist. He is the Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics at Harvard University. His research has made a powerful case for cities as the path out of poverty and key to any nation’s growth.

His latest book, Triumph of the City: how our greatest invention makes us richer, smarter, greener, healthier and happier, explains how cities spur innovation, attract talent and sharpen it through competition, encourage entrepreneurship, and allow for social and economic mobility. The Economist magazine calls it “an enthusiastic guide to the blessings of human proximity”. CDE invited Professor Edward Glaeser to South Africa for a series of well attended events on Monday 21 June and Tuesday 22 June 2015. Professor Glaeser presented his arguments in favour of urbanisation, and then, in numerous question and answer sessions, engaged with South Africans ranging from National Treasury officials and the CEOs of public companies, to diplomats, academics and representatives of civil society organisations.