Daniel Susskind examines the nature, necessity and future of economic growth in a world shaped by technological change and environmental limits. He questions whether growth, as traditionally measured by GDP, still serves society’s best interests, arguing that its blind pursuit can deepen inequality and harm the planet. At the same time, Susskind acknowledges that growth has historically lifted millions out of poverty and improved living standards.
Rather than abandoning growth entirely, he proposes redefining it by focusing on inclusive, sustainable and qualitative improvements. He explores how new technologies such as AI and automation could either undermine or enable this reimagined growth, depending on how policy responds. Susskind challenges economists and policymakers to consider broader measures of prosperity, such as wellbeing, education and ecological health, when designing future economies.
Growth is not a rejection of progress but a call to realign our goals with moral purpose. Clear-eyed and forward-looking, the book offers a nuanced blueprint for balancing innovation, fairness and planetary survival.