In the photo from left: Edmund Phelps, Magnus Henrekson and Vladimir Kvint. Photo by: Fredrik Eriksson.
Values were a central theme of the discussions held during a half-day-long seminar. Edmund Phelps presented ideas from his new book Mass Flourishing : How Grassroots Innovation Created Jobs, Challenge, and Change, published in late August. Phelps explained that the power of innovation has diminished in recent decades. In America, he argued, is evidence that the climate for innovation and employment has weakened since the late 1960s. The same applies to Europe where, after the Second World War, the old dynamics never were recreated. The reason, claimed Phelps, is that modern values, which form the basis for the modern economy, are threatened by traditional values that puts society and the state ahead of the individual.
Solveig Wikström, like Magnus Henrekson, did not fully consent with this terminology. Though, Wikström agreed with Edmund Phelps thoughts on grassroots dynamics and values. With Volvo as an example of a large Swedish corporations she explained that a hierarchical organization of companies blocks whattever dynamism may still exist. She explained that we should discuss modern versus postmodern values. "Hopefully, this book will open the decision makers' eyes, so that they realize that grass roots need to be involved" to create growth and prosperity, said Solveig Wikström.
On the theme of values Magnus Henrekson explained that he personally believes "that the post-modernist paradigm, which has become so dominant in academia, in the media, and in the public discussion, is an important reason why, as documented by Professor Phelps in his book, an increasing number of persons experience a lack of purpose and a sense of meaninglessness in their lives.