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We hosted a special workshop to honour the late Economics Professor, Nicholas Crafts. Organised by the Centre for Study of Welfare and Inclusive Growth (CeSWIG), the event delved into pressing economic issues under the theme ‘Productivity challenges in a volatile world’, aligning closely with CeSWIG's research agenda.

The workshop, opened by Professor Shqiponja Telhaj, Director of CeSWIG, marked a pivotal moment in advancing CeSWIG's mission to offer real-world global policy solutions. Through the guidance of Professor Sambit Bhattacharyya, Chair of the tribute session and Head of the Economics Department of the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Business School, attendees went on to have insightful discussions and reflections on economic growth and productivity.

Throughout the sessions, speakers from diverse backgrounds and institutions shared their expertise, offering perspectives that resonated with CeSWIG's research areas. Professor Stephen Broadberry (University of Oxford) and Professor Tim Leunig (London School of Economics and Political Science) shared anecdotes from their collaboration with Professor Nicholas Crafts, while Professor Tony Venables (University of Oxford) brought forward key questions in the field and Professor Jagjit Chadha  (National Institute of Economic and Social Research) reflected on future challenges.The presentations underscored the importance of CeSWIG's focus on economic development, health, sustainability, and macroeconomic stability.

Chaired by Dr Adrien Montalbo, the session on long run productivity and living standards highlighted productivity disparities at regional level and historical trends, directly aligning with CeSWIG's research on economic and societal challenges. Similarly, Professor Andrew Newell chaired discussions around productivity challenges and emphasised the importance of historical perspectives in shaping future policy solutions, reflecting CeSWIG's commitment to offering actionable insights for inclusive growth.

As the day drew to a close, Professor Sambit Bhattacharyya reiterated the significance of CeSWIG's research areas in addressing contemporary economic challenges. The workshop served as a testament to CeSWIG's ongoing efforts to promote welfare and inclusive growth through rigorous research and collaborative engagement, furthering the pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future.