Philippe Aghion is one of the most influential economic thinkers of the modern era, widely recognised for reshaping how leaders understand innovation, growth, and long-term progress. Awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel in 2025, Philippe’s work sits at the intersection of rigorous theory and real-world impact. His ideas are taught in universities, debated in governments, and applied by business leaders facing disruption and transformation. As a motivational speaker, he brings exceptional intellectual authority while remaining clear, calm, and compelling in delivery.
Philippe is best known as the co-creator of Schumpeterian Growth Theory, developed alongside Peter Howitt, which explains how innovation drives economic growth through a process of creative destruction. This framework fundamentally changed how economists, policymakers, and executives understand competition, productivity, and technological change. Rather than treating disruption as a threat to be managed, Philippe explains why it is a necessary force for renewal, resilience, and progress. His ability to translate complex ideas into accessible insights makes his talks especially valuable for senior leaders navigating fast-moving markets.
Alongside his academic influence, Philippe has held some of the most prestigious positions in global education. He is Professor at the Collège de France, Kurt Björklund Chaired Professor in Innovation and Growth at INSEAD and Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics. Earlier in his career, he taught at Harvard University and advised institutions including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. These roles give Philippe a rare, global vantage point, allowing him to speak with credibility on how innovation policy, leadership decisions, and institutional design shape long-term success.
On stage, Philippe Aghion motivates audiences by reframing how they think about growth, performance, and responsibility. He challenges leaders to look beyond short-term gains and focus on systems that encourage experimentation, competition, and learning. His talks resonate strongly with executives, founders, and policymakers who want to understand how to build organisations and economies that adapt, invest in ideas, and stay relevant. Calm, authoritative, and deeply insightful, Philippe leaves audiences with sharper thinking and a renewed confidence in innovation as a force for sustainable progress.
