The Herbert M. Singer International Annual Conference
Growth and/or Inequality?
Preparing for the Future
Thursday, November 14, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Mishkenot Sha’ananim, Jerusalem
The conference will be conducted in Hebrew and English with simultaneous translation
Introduction
Prof. Avi Weiss, President, Taub Center (Click for his presentation)
First Session: Keynote Lectures
Prof. David Weil, Brown University: Technology, Economic Growth, and Inequality (Click for his presentation)
Coffee Break
Prof. Janet Gornick, Graduate Center – CUNY: Income and Wealth Inequality in Affluent Countries: Levels, Trends, and Implications for the Middle Class (Click for her presentation)
Response from Dr. Daniel Gottlieb, Former Deputy Director General of Research and Planning at the National Insurance Institute
Second Session: The Future Labor Market and Implications for Inequality
Chair: Prof. Yossi Zeira, Hebrew University
Discussion:
Dita Bronicki, Founder of Ormat, Technologies, Winner of the 2018 Israel Prize
Shira Greenberg, Chief Economist, Ministry of Finance
Shavit Madhala, Researcher, Taub Center
Dr. Sigal Shelach, Director General, Joint Israel
Lunch (Dairy)
Third Session: Developing the Human Capital of the Future – The Role of the Education System in Facilitating Growth and Reducing Inequality
Chair: Prof. Benny Bental, Chair, Economic Policy Program, Taub Center
Discussion:
Michal Avera-Samuel, CEO, Fidel Association for Education and Social Integration of Ethiopian Jews in Israel
Emanuel Bohbot, Vice President of Research and Development, Social Finance Israel
Rabbi Menachem Bombach, Head of the Netzach Haredi Educational Network
Prof. Zvika Eckstein, Dean, Tiomkin School of Economics; Head, Aaron Institute for Economic Policy, The Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya – IDC (Click for his presentation)
Motty Elisha, Head of Employment, Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services
Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya, Director, Arab-Jewish Relations Program, The Israel Democracy Institute; Portland Trust
The relationship between growth and inequality is not always clear. Does economic growth lead to greater income inequality, or are its rewards shared by everyone? Does income inequality undermine economic growth, or is it essential to enhance development?
While the Taub Center carries out research on both growth and inequality in Israel, it is not always clear how these interact, and what the policy implications are. To address this, the Taub Center 2019 Singer Conference will focus on the relationship between economic growth and income inequality, both internationally and in the Israeli context.
The conference will begin with a keynote speech delivered by Prof. David Weil, who will provide an overview of the issues at hand. A second keynote from Prof. Janet Gornick will give us insight into how to understand and measure inequality in developed countries.
We will then delve into the situation in Israel, looking at two distinct areas where the issues of economic growth and inequality both come into play. First, we will consider the future labor market. Will it promote greater economic growth for Israel? Is there a risk that it will also lead to greater income inequality, with people of certain occupations and skill levels left behind?
Then, we will turn to the education system, a key mechanism for developing the human capital of the future. How can the education system promote economic growth while at the same time helping to reduce income inequality? Is Israel’s education system prepared to tackle these twin challenges?
We expect that the conference will provide participants with a better understanding of the interplay between these two issues that are so central to the social and economic fabric of the country, while also gaining an understanding of the risks and opportunities that lie ahead.
Space is limited, advanced registration required
The conference will be conducted in Hebrew and English, with simultaneous translation.
The auditorium in Mishkenot Sha’ananim, where all the conference sessions will take place, is a safe room.
The venue is accessible for people with disabilities. If you have special needs (e.g., audio or visual assistance, a seat near the door, a nursing room, etc.), please write your requirements in the registration form and we will contact you to discuss your needs, or call us at 02-567-1818. Kindly submit accommodation requests at least 2 weeks in advance of the conference.