"Humanity needs to get better at knowing how to get better."
What It’s About
Collison and Cowen argue that despite two centuries of rapid economic, technological, and scientific progress, we lack a sufficient understanding of how and why progress happens. They propose the creation of "Progress Studies," an interdisciplinary field that studies the historical, institutional, and cultural factors that drive human advancement.
Upshot
Collison & Cowen suggest:
- Progress is Uneven and Needs Study: Understanding why some societies or eras make rapid advancements while others stagnate can help replicate success
- Intentional Action Can Accelerate Growth: Progress isn’t inevitable, and varies according to institutions, funding, and culture
- A Cross-Disciplinary Approach is Crucial: Current research on innovation, economics, and institutions is too fragmented; an organized field of study could integrate these insights for greater impact
Did you know? In 1980, the National Institutes of Health allocated 12 times more funding to scientists under 40 than to those over 50. Today, young scientists are awarded less than a fifth of what goes to older scientists.
Why It Matters
Since this 2019 proposal, "Progress Studies" has sparked initiatives like the Roots of Progress nonprofit, the Institute for Progress think tank, and the Works in Progress publication. These institutions promote research and policy discussions aimed at accelerating scientific, technological, and societal advancements.
Who Wrote It
Patrick Collison is the co-founder and CEO of Stripe, a financial technology company.
Tyler Cowen is an economist and professor at George Mason University. He is also the author of Stubborn Attachments and co-founder of the Marginal Revolution blog.