Oligarchs or philanthropists?

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In partnership with the University of St Andrews

Former President Joe Biden warned, “an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedom, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead”. Can today’s ‘philanthrocapitalists’ imagine using their resources to uplift wider society? What are the implications when the super-wealthy ignore what 19th century steel magnate Andrew Carnegie called ‘the moral obligations that come with huge wealth?’ and what impact will this have on democracy and society at large? 

Chair: Colin Smyth MSP, Convener Economy and Fair Work Committee

Panellists: 

Professor Tobias Jung is a Professor of Management, University of St Andrews. Tobias is the director and founder of the Centre for the Study of Philanthropy and Public Good., Scotland's first research centre dedicated to the growing field of philanthropy studies. Tobias is co-editor of the international handbook on philanthropy and co-editor of the Global Perspectives on Philanthropy and Public Good Global Perspectives book series, President of the European Research Network on Philanthropy, and a trustee of Foundation Scotland, Scotland's community foundation.

Adam Lang is Director of Policy, Insight and Advocacy at Carnegie UK. Adam was previously the head of Nesta Scotland and head of policy and communications at Shelter Scotland. Adam sat on the advisory board for data driven innovation at the University of Edinburgh for three years and was an Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) trustee for six. Adam sits on the advisory board for the Scottish Health Equity Research Unit at the University of Strathclyde.