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
Can AI save democracy?
In conversation with Beth Simone Noveck
Democratic innovation expert Beth Simone Noveck joins UTS to explore how artificial intelligence could help governments listen better, engage citizens and strengthen public trust.
Recent news stories
Is the promise of Australia under threat?
As inequality grows and trust frays, UTS brought leaders together to ask whether Australia’s social promise is under threat - and what role business must play...
Class is the missing link in Australia’s generational inequality crisis
Australia’s housing crisis isn’t just a clash between generations, but a deepening class divide hidden beneath the rhetoric of the “fair crack”.
New study shows global democracy hasn’t been this bad since 1978. Australia should be worried
A new report assessing democratic values across more than 200 countries has found six billion people live in autocracies.