The Institute of Economic Affairs has launched its annual THINK Conference, with acclaimed author and economist Tim Harford as keynote speaker. 

Harford, who is a senior columnist at the Financial Times, presenter of the iTunes-topping series “Fifty Things That Made the Modern Economy”, and an honorary fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, is the first speaker to be named as part of the 2021 conference, with other big names to be announced in the coming weeks.

Previous THINK speakers have included some of the biggest names in economics including Johan Norberg and Nobel Laurate Vernon Smith, leading academics, senior politicians, commentators and journalists, and members of the IEA’s own research team.

Now in its seventh year, THINK will take place primarily virtually for the first time. Students and young people will be able to tune in – for free – as the conference brings together prominent and thought-provoking economists from across the globe to speak about a vast range of topics, from international development to the sharing economy.

As an educational charity, we aim to introduce young people to new ideas and provide fresh perspectives on the major challenges we face both domestically and internationally. Students will have the chance to hear some of the most exciting and surprising predictions about how the world could change in the coming decades from a wide range of experts.

The conference is aimed at college and university students, as well as anyone under 25. Tickets for the virtual event are free – anyone can register for their place here – with a limited number of in-person tickets available via the IEA.

On launching this year’s event, Brittany Davis, Education, Outreach, and Programmes Manager at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:

“The main purpose of the THINK conferences is for attendees come away thinking ‘I didn’t know that’. They give young minds a chance to hear directly from leading economists, authors, politicians, and other experts.

“Our stellar line up of speakers, to be revealed across the coming weeks, will provide new insight and understanding for attendees. We are also delighted to be hosting the event virtually for the first time, meaning anyone anywhere in the world can join us for free.”

  ENDS