Rebecca Henderson

Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire

Free market capitalism is one of humanity's greatest inventions and the greatest source of prosperity the world has ever seen. At the same time, its single-minded pursuit of profit has led to rampant inequality and the looming threat of climate catastrophe - and now threatens to destroy the society on which it depends. Rebecca Henderson, John and Natty McArthur University Professor at Harvard University, argues that business can simultaneously make a positive impact on the world by confronting the realities of our environmental crisis and the need to address social and economic inequality, while also delivering the sustained economic growth that brings prosperity and wellbeing to society as a whole. Drawing on lessons from companies from around the world who are already making a positive difference, REIMAGINING CAPITALISM shows that this new approach is not only a moral imperative but also an extraordinary opportunity to drive growth and innovation in an increasingly competitive world. And, perhaps most critically, she suggests that it has the potential to balance the power of the market with the power of democratic, accountable government and strong civil society - the only long term solution to the problems that we face. "This powerful and readable book is a clarion call for reimagining and remaking capitalism. We can have a more moral and more innovative capitalism. There is hope!" -Daron Acemoglu, coauthor of Why Nations Fail "A must-read for every person with a stake in our economic system since change or die is the inescapable reality confronting capitalism." -Hiro Mizuno, executive managing director and chief investment officer, GPIF "A smart, timely, and much-needed reimagining of what capitalism can be." -Yancey Strickler, cofounder and former CEO, Kickstarter, and author of This Could Be Our Future: A Manifesto for a More Generous World

What if business could help solve the greatest problems of our time? Free market capitalism is one of humanity's greatest inventions, and the greatest source of prosperity the world has ever seen. But it's also on the verge of destroying the planet and destabilizing society in its single-minded pursuit of maximizing shareholder value. Rebecca Henderson, McArthur University Professor at Harvard University, argues for a new framework; one that can simultaneously make a positive societal impact by confronting the realities of the environment and the need to address social and economic inequality, while also delivering sustained financial performance to ensure economic growth that brings prosperity and wellbeing to society as a whole. Drawing on the lessons of companies from around the world who are acting on this responsibility - who are not only surviving but are thriving, becoming leaders in their industries and beginning to drive the wheels of change - Professor Henderson proves that this is not only a moral imperative for business but also the only way to remain competitive in our changing world. 'You need to read Rebecca Henderson's Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire. This is a book for the realist with a heart.' Arthur C. Brooks, president emeritus, American Enterprise Institute; senior fellow, Harvard Business School; and author of Love Your Enemies 'Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire is a breath of fresh air. Written in lively prose, easily accessible to lay readers, and chock-full of interesting case studies, Henderson comprehensively surveys what we need to do to secure a workable future.' Larry Kramer, president, Hewlett Foundation