Professor Irene van Staveren is professor of pluralist development economics at the International Institute of Social Studies. Recently, she was a guest on Studio Erasmus, a talk show by Erasmus University Rotterdam, to deliver a compelling talk addressing crises like housing, nitrogen emissions, asylum and manure.
Rethinking the 'free market'
In her talk, Professor van Staveren argues that these aren't isolated incidents. They are a compounding result of decades of neoliberal policies. Because of this, she passionately advocates for a shift toward what she calls an ‘economy of connection’ – a model prioritizing sustainability, equity and long-term thinking over unbridled market freedom.
Her recent book, De Vrije Markt Bestaat Niet (The Free Market Does Not Exist), challenges the ideological assumption that free markets are inherently efficient or beneficial. She highlights how regulation and corporate power shape markets, debunking the myth of total market freedom. The book calls for rethinking our economic systems, focusing on shared values and collective wellbeing.
'We must take responsibility as consumers, as producers, and in where we save and invest our money.'
In addition to her academic work, Professor van Staveren has been a regular columnist for the Dutch newspaper Trouw for the past seven years. Her columns serve as a bridge between complex economic ideas and public discourse, making her insights accessible to a wider audience. Her writings often receive feedback from the general public and key decision-makers in the Netherlands, ranging from thought-provoking questions to personal anecdotes sparked by her writing.
Watch Studio Erasmus (in Dutch)
For a deeper dive into Professor van Staveren’s vision for an economy of connection, watch her Studio Erasmus session below. You can download the English transcripts here.
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For more thought-provoking stories from scientists, check out the videos from Studio Erasmus. You can also listen to the Studio Erasmus podcast via Spotify (in Dutch).
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