A public institute for a fairer economy and more resilient democracy
Our work is focused on the interconnected issues of widening economic and social inequality, declining trust in democratic systems, and barriers to financial participation and intergenerational opportunity. These are not siloed problems – they sit at the heart of how our economy functions, how institutions are trusted, and how opportunity is distributed.
Addressing these systemic challenges requires changing how evidence, voices and decisions interact.
We work with business, government, civil society, youth and communities to generate new evidence and ideas, inform public debate, and develop practical, policy-relevant solutions to strengthen Australia’s economic and democratic future.
Our focus
Economic justice
Promoting fair and inclusive business practices and economic systems that reduce inequality and support the wellbeing of all members of society.
Financial inclusion
Ensuring that individuals and communities, particularly those historically excluded, can participate actively and productively in the economy.
Intergenerational equity
Advocating for political decisions and business practices that protect the interests of future generations.
Democratic resilience
Developing businesses’ role in supporting democratic institutions and civic culture to resist authoritarianism and exclusionary populism.
Upcoming events
After neoliberalism - what comes next?
UTS Democracy Forum with Gary Gerstle
Join us as Gary Gerstle, Emeritus Professor of American History at Cambridge, explores what the end of the neoliberal era and the rise of a new economic order could mean for our democracy, institutions and society.
News
A declaration is not a duty
Human dignity sits at the heart of modern democracy, but in Australia it remains more aspiration than obligation. Robert Finkeldey examines why that...
News
Do tech billionaires dream of shared abundance? We should probably just tax them
Democracy demands that citizens are treated equally under the law. The tax avoidance practices of the ultra-rich violate that principle, a new book argues.
News
Beyond Growth: How can we end poverty and build a sustainable future?
Economic growth has long been seen as the path to progress. But growing evidence suggests new approaches may be needed to reduce inequality and build a...
News
Honesty may be more efficient than incentives in organisations
Incentives designed to prevent dishonesty may sometimes create the very distrust they are meant to solve.
News
A declaration is not a duty
Human dignity sits at the heart of modern democracy, but in Australia it remains more aspiration than obligation. Robert Finkeldey examines why that...
News
Do tech billionaires dream of shared abundance? We should probably just tax them
Democracy demands that citizens are treated equally under the law. The tax avoidance practices of the ultra-rich violate that principle, a new book argues.
News
Beyond Growth: How can we end poverty and build a sustainable future?
Economic growth has long been seen as the path to progress. But growing evidence suggests new approaches may be needed to reduce inequality and build a...
News
Honesty may be more efficient than incentives in organisations
Incentives designed to prevent dishonesty may sometimes create the very distrust they are meant to solve.