Exeter College alumnus delivers inaugural Impact Economy Lecture at London School of Economics

Exeter College alumnus, Sir Ronnie Cohen (PPE, 1964) returned to the London stage on Thursday 27 November 2025 to deliver the inaugural Impact Economy Foundation Lecture at the Marshall Institute, London School of Economics (LSE), coinciding with the launch of the second edition of his book Impact: Reshaping Capitalism to Drive Real Change. 

His address, delivered alongside Professor Kieron Boyle, the Marshall Institute’s first Professor of the Impact Economy, reflected on the historical roots of impact thinking at the LSE—connecting the work of founders Beatrice and Sidney Webb with today’s impact movement. Sir Ronnie Cohen emphasised the need to evolve economic systems that have generated extraordinary growth but also profound social and environmental challenges. 

Drawing on his extensive experience in impact investing and public policy, Sir Ronnie outlined the evolution of impact finance—from the creation of the first Social Impact Bond in 2010 to the establishment of outcomes‑based instruments and the rapid growth of global impact investment beyond $2 trillion. He highlighted recent advances in impact accounting, made possible by AI and machine learning, as a potential watershed in aligning economic activity with measurable social and environmental outcomes. 

Sir Ronnie also spoke about the potential for impact economies to rewire existing markets, reduce inequality, and leverage emerging technologies to deliver positive global change. 

The lecture was followed by a panel discussion addressing practical implications for investors, governments, and entrepreneurs. The full lecture can be re‑watched online.  

For more on the Impact Economy Project, visit the Impact Economy Project website. You can also purchase your copy of Impact: Reshaping Capitalism to Drive Real Change from Blackwells and other booksellers.