Influencing global policy discussions: Prof Mazzucato’s impact on innovation and growth
included students, faculty, and members of the public. She was praised for her insights and her call for action. Conferral of a Special Honorary Doctorate and a Public Lecture by Prof Mariana Mazzucato – https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qH8QtoSgpao
In addition to her academic work, Prof Mazzucato is also a vocal advocate for social justice and environmental sustainability. She is a member of the South African President’s Economic Advisory Council and the Scottish Government’s Council of Economic Advisors. She is also a trustee of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Council on the Economics of Health for All and the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. In her acceptance speech, Prof Mazzucato said that she was honoured to receive the award from UJ, which she described as a “forward-thinking institution” with a “strong commitment to innovation and social justice.” “It is especially
encouraging seeing all these young faces in the audience today. I was very surprised when I heard this University is only 20 years old, you have a reputation that makes one think you are much older than that.” She also used the occasion to call for a new approach to economic development that puts the needs of people and the planet first. “We need to move away from a model of economic growth that is based on endless consumption and towards a more sustainable and equitable model,” she said. “This will require a new role for the state, as an active player in innovation and economic development.” Prof Mazzucato’s lecture was well- received by the audience, which
UJ honorary doctoral degrees
Honorary doctoral degrees are conferred on candidates with outstanding intellectual contributions of high academic distinction; and/or relevant meritorious or outstanding contributions to public life or significant benefit to society at large with evidence of a
contribution that is innovative, beyond the norm and characteristic of a leader in the field, self-initiated and self-directed; related to the University’s vision, mission, values and strategic goals and objectives. UJ strives for a robust pool of honorary doctoral degree recipients
enriched by individuals from all backgrounds, and therefore encourages nominations of distinguished individuals with a connection to the University or its precursor institutions, the City of Johannesburg or the Gauteng region, whose accomplishments are worthy of academic celebration.
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