Economic Symposium

Capitalism creates wealth - and is simultaneously criticised for weakening democracy and the equality of opportunity. Many indicators appear to demonstrate that people are better off than at any other time in history. At the same time, the economic gap between the wealthy and the poor is widening. Too great a divergence in income has the potential both to threaten social stability, and to choke growth. Under current conditions, how much inequality is necessary to intensify economic relations and to stimulate the business cycle? When does an advantageous "just enough" become a critical "too much"? Where can or should economic policy intervene? Where should such action be avoided? At the Alpbach Economic Symposium, experts from economy, politics and academia will give an overview on the economic dimension of inequality and on its far-reaching consequences for society.

Illustrations with key messages

Abdul Dube, visual facilitator, has captured key messages and conclusions of this year’s vibrant discussions and visualized them for us. Step by step you can revisit discussions in graphics and pictures (Copyright: Abdul Dube).