Bringing Big Economic Ideas To Scotland
Leith, 19 – 21 March 2026
Scotland’s Festival of Economics is a unique, public-facing celebration of economic thinking – designed to challenge, inform, and inspire. The festival brings together leading economists, commentators, campaigners, and curious citizens to explore BIG economic ideas.
Partner Organisations
If you believe Scotland needs BIG ideas, not just small tweaks, join us in Leith across three days for over twenty talks on future-shaping conversations.
In a time of economic uncertainty and growing inequality, Scotland’s Economics Festival offers a space to step back, ask BIG questions, and hear BIG IDEAS from fresh perspectives.
Supported by a wide range of progressive organisations, the festival is rooted in the belief that the economy should serve people, place, and planet.
We welcome anyone with an interest in community, economics, ecology, politics, or society. Whether you’re frustrated by the status quo, confused by economic jargon, or simply curious about how things could be different – this festival is for you.
You belong here if you're...
A Curious Citizen
You follow the news, and wonder why no one seems to ask the BIG questions. You want to understand how the economy really works, because it is not working for you or those you care about. You’re not an economist. You care about how decisions affect your community, your country, and your future.
Politically Engaged
You’ve marched, campaigned, and volunteered for progressive movements, and you want to understand why certain economic ideas seem entrenched. You’re ready for a festival that speaks to your values and challenges the status quo with BIG, bold, credible alternatives.
A Critical Thinker
You work in policy, research, education, or activism, or just enjoy a deep dive into economic systems and theory. You’re looking for heterodox perspectives, practical insight, and space to explore ideas that go beyond mainstream economics. You know that there is an alternative. And you want to hear exactly what that looks like.
A Community Builder
You believe that economics isn’t just a theory; it’s lived every day in our communities. You want to connect with others who care about fairness, sustainability, and collective wellbeing. You’re ready to turn ideas into action, to build networks that last beyond the festival.
Featured Speakers
Adrienne Buller
Author and Editor of The Break-Down
Professor John Harvey, AKA "The Cowboy Economist"
Professor of Economics, Texas Christian University
Our Speakers
Dr Ewan Gibbs
Author, "An Injury to All: The Unmaking of the British Working Class"
Daniel Hind
Author and Commentator
Claire Godfrey
Executive Director, Balanced Economy Project
Russell Jones
Author, A Modern Economic History of Japan: Sho Ga Nai – It Is What It Is
Gordon Povey
Adam Smith Global Foundation
Patricia Pino
Research Fellow MMTUK
Laurie Macfarlane
Director Future Economy Scotland
Professor Steve Keen
William Thomson
Founder of Scotonomics
Why this festival matters
Mainstream economic commentary can feel disconnected, technical, and repetitive. The same questions. The same myths. And the same answers. Is there really no alternative to the type of economy we have today? We think there is.
At Scotland’s Economics Festival, we create space for BIG ideas. Focused on practical thinking, grounded in real-world economics.
Our wide variety of speakers and talks go beyond the headlines to empower everyone to ask better questions. And to consider BIG economic ideas.
The Programme
Event Location
Amazing Venues Across Leith
What to expect
Inspiring talks from leading economists and thinkers from Scotland and beyond
Hear from some of the most original voices shaping economic thought today — from homegrown Scottish innovators to international changemakers.
Challenging debates and interactive discussions
Expect lively exchanges that question assumptions, spark new ideas, and invite you to be part of the conversation.
Welcoming spaces for new voices, diverse ideas, and alternative narratives
We create an inclusive environment where every perspective is valued and curiosity is celebrated.
A focus on public purpose, wellbeing, and ecological resilience
Explore how economic systems can truly serve people, communities, and the planet.
Talks that make economics accessible, engaging, and enjoyable
No jargon, no gatekeeping – just big ideas explained clearly and creatively.
Concession, standard and solidarity prices to attend paid for sessions
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier, so our ticketing reflects fairness, flexibility, and community support.
Free talks and lessons offering an opportunity for all to engage with new economic ideas
Join open-access sessions designed to spark learning, dialogue, and connection – at no cost.
A wide range of topics covered by our three themes:
There is an alternative, Money is Power and We can
make the change
Each theme dives into how we can rethink, reclaim, and reshape the economy for a fairer future.
Frequently asked questions
Easy! Just click on the website to book online. We offer three levels of tickets. It is important to us that everyone who wants to attend is not put off by a large fee. Our concession price is available to anyone. Our standard price helps us break even. Our ‘solidarity’ fee helps us keep the learning going and will enable us to bring even BIGGER economic ideas to Scotland next year.
Absolutely. You can purchase a ticket for any individual talk. Or you can purchase all the talsk you fancy. You can also purchase our Festival Pass We’ve designed this to be flexible, so you can make the most of your time in Leith and at Scotland’s Economics Festival.
Yes, get in touch with us. If you’re attending with colleagues, we offer discounted group rates for three or more attendees. It’s a brilliant way to learn together and get even more value from the experience.
We’ve got you. Our Online Pass includes live access to both Thursday and Friday sessions, downloadable resources, and 3 months of on-demand replay access. Perfect if you’re tuning in from afar (or rewatching in your own time).
We’ve created a downloadable Business Case Letter to help you make the case for funding, along with a cheat sheet to answer common objections. These tools are designed to show how attending supports your development and delivers ROI for your business.
Yes – all Thursday and Friday sessions (both in-person and online) are recorded. Full access is included with every ticket type except the one-day pass, which includes recordings only for the selected day.
The EA Campus Conference will be held at ISH Venues, 229 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PN. It’s a central, accessible location with excellent transport links. The nearest tube station is Great Portland Street (just a 2-minute walk), and Warren Street and Regent’s Park stations are nearby. You’ll find plenty of accommodation, cafés, and amenities nearby to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
Due to the limited number of tickets and the upfront investment required to deliver the event, all bookings are final and non-refundable. No exceptions will be made. However, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to a colleague.
Failure to attend the event does not entitle the ticket holder to a refund or credit.