Modern Enquiries into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

5–6 March 2026 | King's College, Cambridge & The Sidgwick Site

About this event

A two-day conference marking 250 years since the publication of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations (1776). Leading scholars will reflect on the history and theory of long-term economic growth and development, concluding with a public forum exploring key issues in future global development, comprising Sir Tim Besley, Matthew Agarwala, Jane Humphries and (in the chair) Gillian Tett.

This gathering will be followed by the University of Glasgow's major commemorative conference in October 2026, which will launch an accompanying volume published by Cambridge University Press.

Convened by Professor Gareth Austin (Cambridge), Professor Alex Trew (Glasgow) and Professor Toke Aidt (Cambridge).

Programme

Day 1: Thursday 5 March (Keynes Hall, King's College)

9.15–9.25 Welcome Gillian Tett (Provost, King's) and Gareth Austin (Research Director of King's College)

9.25–10.45 Session 1: The Wealth of Nations Chair: John Dunn (Cambridge)

Alex Trew (Glasgow): 'Adam Smith's Economic System at 250: Imaginary Machines for a Transformed World'

Craig Smith (Glasgow): 'The Principles which lead and direct Philosophical Enquiries illustrated by the Wealth of Nations'

11.00–13.00 Session 2: Adam Smith's World Chair: Sriya Iyer (Cambridge)

Jane Humphries (Oxford): 'The Invisible Hands of Women and Children in Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations'

Simon Szreter (Cambridge): 'The Poor Law, Settlement and the Division of Labour'

Regina Grafe (Cambridge): 'Thinking with Adam Smith: Factor Prices in Colonial Latin America'

14.00–15.20 Session 3: Religion and Moral Sentiment Chair: Toke Aidt (Cambridge)

Sascha O. Becker (Warwick): 'Religion and the Wealth of Nations'

Tim Besley (LSE): 'Moral Sentiments in Market Economies' (with Maitreesh Ghatak)

15.35–16.55 Session 4: Long-Term Perspectives on British Economic Development Chair: Martin Daunton (Cambridge)

Leigh Shaw-Taylor (Cambridge): 'Smithian growth in England and Wales 1415–1820'

Eoin McLaughlin (Heriot-Watt): 'The Inclusive Wealth of Nations: the Case of the UK, 1760–2020'

Day 2: Friday 6 March

Morning (Keynes Hall, King's College)

9.00–11.00 Session 5: Finance and Economic Development Chair: Charles Read (Oxford/Cambridge)

Craig Muldrew (Cambridge): 'The Importance of Finance Capital for the Wealth of a Nation'

J. Vernon Henderson (LSE): 'Adam Smith and the City (tentative title)' (with Leigh Shaw-Taylor and Jacques Thisse)

Tiago Cavalcanti (Cambridge): 'Financial Intermediaries and Economic Development'

11.15–12.45 Session 6: From Colonies to Global Economic Development Chair: Nuala Zahedieh (Edinburgh/Cambridge)

Pat Hudson (Cardiff): 'Growth and Development: Smith and the Colonies'

Gareth Austin (Cambridge): 'Causes of the Wealth of Nations: Economic Development over Time and Space'

Afternoon (LG19, Arthur Goodhart Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Law, Sidgwick Site)

14.00–16.00 Public Forum: The Next 25/250 Years Chair: Gillian Tett (Provost, King's) Panellists: Sir Tim Besley (LSE), Matthew Agarwala (Kent), Jane Humphries (Oxford)

A forward-looking discussion on the prospects for global prosperity and development. Free and open to the public. Students especially welcome.

The Public Forum will be recorded and made available on YouTube following the event. Earlier sessions will not be recorded or live-streamed.

Venues

Keynes Hall, King's College King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST Day 1 and Day 2 morning sessions. Enter via the Porter's Lodge on King's Parade.

Arthur Goodhart Lecture Theatre (LG19) Faculty of Law, Sidgwick Site, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DZ Day 2 afternoon Public Forum. Approximately 10 minutes' walk from King's College.

Attendance

Attendance is free. Please register via the Eventbrite page to secure your place and receive programme updates.

The Friday afternoon Public Forum is free and open to all without registration, but please arrive early to secure a seat. Students are especially welcome.

Both venues are wheelchair-accessible. Please contact the organisers in advance if you have specific access requirements.

Contact

Professor Gareth Austin: [email protected] Dr Nick Fitzhenry: [email protected]

Organising Committee: Gareth Austin, Alex Trew, Toke Aidt, Caro Schade, Christoph Hess, Nick Fitzhenry

Supported by King's College Cambridge and the Ellen McArthur Trust.

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