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Matthew Bishop

Author, Journalist and Social Entrepreneur

New York, NY, USA

Matthew Bishop

Arkus Real Estate

Lucas Bitencourt

Matthew Bishop’s Biography

Matthew Bishop is a Nonresident Senior Fellow in the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution. In 2018, with John McArthur, he co-founded “17 Rooms,” a Brookings Institution and Rockefeller initiative to convene global leaders and promote collaboration to accelerate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He is also a founder and board member of the Social Progress Imperative, which publishes the Social Progress Index, and a co-founder of the #givingtuesday campaign. Previously, Matthew was managing director of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center, where he built and led a global institute focused on assembling global leaders to find solutions for some of the world's biggest challenges. This followed a 25-year career as a writer, editor, and conference curator at The Economist.

Matthew’s research focuses on the SDGs and systems change, particularly how the private sector can use its influence and capital to further social progress. His book “Philanthrocapitalism: How Giving Can Save the World” (2008), written with Michael Green,... Matthew Bishop is a Nonresident Senior Fellow in the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution. In 2018, with John McArthur, he co-founded “17 Rooms,” a Brookings Institution and Rockefeller initiative to convene global leaders and promote collaboration to accelerate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He is also a founder and board member of the Social Progress Imperative, which publishes the Social Progress Index, and a co-founder of the #givingtuesday campaign. Previously, Matthew was managing director of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center, where he built and led a global institute focused on assembling global leaders to find solutions for some of the world's biggest challenges. This followed a 25-year career as a writer, editor, and conference curator at The Economist.

Matthew’s research focuses on the SDGs and systems change, particularly how the private sector can use its influence and capital to further social progress. His book “Philanthrocapitalism: How Giving Can Save the World” (2008), written with Michael Green, offers a road map toward a new understanding of philanthropy, one in which entrepreneurs and innovators play a critical role in solving the most challenging issues facing the world. Other works include the 2011 book “The Road from Ruin”, also co-authored with Green, which puts forth an agenda to reform capitalism in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and “Economics A to Z,” the official Economist introduction to economics.

Matthew holds a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University and was on the faculty of London Business School. He was also honored by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader. more less

Matthew Bishop’s Newsfeed

Brookings Institution

Hey journalists, we have a story for you

Matthew Bishop discusses the lack of media attention on the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and why this coverage is desperately needed as the 2030 deadline for progress draws near.

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What Works 2022

Matthew Bishop will be a featured speaker at the 2022 What Works global summit to discuss pathways to creating a sustainable and inclusive society.

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Matthew Bishop’s Background

Brookings Institution

Nonresident Sr. Fellow | Global Economy and Development

Washington, DC, USA

Brookings experts conduct high-quality, independent research and produce innovative policy solutions for the nation and world. Brookings is ranked as one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks.

The Rockefeller Foundation

Fmr. Managing Director, Bellagio & Fellows Program

Jan 2018 - 2020

New York, NY, USA

The Rockefeller Foundation advances new frontiers of science, data, policy, and innovation to solve global challenges related to health, food, power, and economic mobility.

17 Rooms Initiative

Co-founder

2018 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The 17 Rooms initiative was first launched by The Brookings Institution and The Rockefeller Foundation in September 2018, as an experiment in stimulating new forms of collective action for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Social Progress Imperative

Co-founder | Board of Directors

2012 - Present

London, UK

The Social Progress Imperative publishes the Social Progress Index (SPI), which measures the extent to which countries provide for the social and environmental needs of their citizens. In combination with GDP it allows a much more rounded assessment of how well a country is performing.

The Economist

Senior Editor

1991 - 2017

New York, NY, USA

The Economist Group is the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs. They deliver information through a range of formats, from newspapers and magazines to conferences and electronic services.

London Business School

Research Economist

Oct 1986 - Jan 1991

London, UK

At London Business School, they strive to have a profound impact on the way the world does business, and the way business impacts the world.

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Matthew Bishop’s Gallery

Board Positions

Catalyst 2030 Awards

Co-Chair of the Awards Committee

The Catalyst 2030 Awards recognizes community leaders who are committed to and support Sustainable Development Goals while also seeking to inspire collaboration across sectors to reach these objectives.

Previous Advisory Roles

United Nations International Year of Microcredit

Advisory Council

New York, NY, USA

The United Nations Economic and Social Council proclaimed the year 2005 as the International Year of Microcredit to call for building inclusive financial sectors and strengthening the powerful, but often untapped, entrepreneurial spirit existing in communities around the world.

Philanthropy

Driving Change

Editorial Consultant

New York, NY, USA

Driving Change seeks to inspire a return to creating a change for good in the world through acts of service and giving back to surrounding communities.

#GivingTuesday

Co-founder, advisor

2012 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Entering its seventh year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fuelled by the power of social media and collaboration.

Media

Driving Change Podcast

Host

As part of the Driving Change Podcast, Matthew Bishop interviews public policy leaders about their activities and how their work impacts the greater global community.

Interviews

Understanding American Health + Wealth

Sep 2020

Matthew Bishop and other expert thought leaders discuss the key issues facing people regarding their health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crises and political tensions.

AVPN Fireside Chat Series | Matthew Bishop Reflects on Philanthrocapitalism

Jun 2020

In this interview, Matthew Bishop discusses his book, 'Philanthrocapitalism: How the Rich Can Save the World,' and how the philanthrocapitalism movement has evolved.

Publications

Rebuilding Trust: What It Will Take

Publication Editor & Author

2021

Matthew Bishop edited and curated this publication for Edelman Trust Institute, which also includes one of his own articles titled "Rebuilding Trust: What It Will Take," in which he examines how the pandemic changed the way people trusted one another and how people can work to rebuild relationships and trust in a post-pandemic 2022.

Driving Change: Matthew Bishop's Latest Articles

Author

Click here to view Matthew Bishop's latest articles for Driving Change.

Philanthropy 2.0: The Golden Age

Author

Jan 2021

Seattle, WA, USA

In this article written for the Chandler Foundation, Matthew Bishop reflects on the book he co-authored with Michael Green, Philanthrocapitalism (2008). He discusses the key ideas in the book and also challenges social investors to take their giving to the next level, while also lamenting that the new Golden Age of philanthropy has yet to arrive.

"Beyond the Great Trust Bubble"

Author

May 2020

New York, NY, USA

In this article, Matthew Bishop discusses the appearance of ‘trust bubbles’ during the Covid-19 pandemic. A ‘trust bubble’ is a period wherein trust in institutions, namely government, can surge to record high levels of trust, only to fall later. This period is a chance, he says, to promote a new normal through egalitarian policies that sustain trust in and amongst populations.

Getting to the Global Goals: A Radical Yet Realistic Route to 2030

Author

2019

New York, NY, USA

In this report for the Rockefeller Foundation, Matthew Bishop sets out a radical yet realistic route to achieving sustainability goals by 2030. The report urges leaders of the world to unite behind the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and outlines how substantial, systemic change can be achieved.

The Road From Ruin | A New Capitalism for a Big Society

Co-Author

2011

New York, NY, USA

In The Road from Ruin, Matthew Bishop and Michael Green examine each financial crisis since the Great Depression. They draw out the right and wrong lessons learned and explain how they can be used as the basis for meaningful reform that will enable capitalism to keep its ability to create wealth but on a more even and responsible keel.

Economics: An A-Z Guide

Author

2009

London, UK

Economics: A-Z aims to explain economics and its most important ideas and to demystify the most important economic terms and concepts. It focuses on the economics that affects jobs and prices and trade, that raises voices in boardrooms and bars and among politicians and pundits, in short, the economics that touches and shapes everyday life.

Philanthrocapitalism | How Giving Can Save the World

Co-Author

2008

New York, NY, USA

Philanthrocapitalism is a book Matthew co-wrote with Michael Green. It is an examination of how today's leading philanthropists are revolutionizing the field, using new methods to have a vastly greater impact on the world.

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Awards & Recognition

World Economic Forum

Young Global Leader

New York, NY, USA

Matthew Bishop was honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a community with the vision, courage and influence to drive positive change in the world.

Academic Appointments

London School of Economics

Visiting Fellow, The Marshall Institute

Apr 2022 - Present

London, UK

The London School of Economics is one of the foremost social science universities in the world. Its research and teaching include the social sciences, from economics, politics and law to sociology, anthropology, accounting and finance.

Sorenson Impact Center

Senior Fellow

Jan 2022 - Present

The Sorenson Impact Center at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business brings together the world's leading mind in impact to realize shared visions of humanity's future.

Speaking Engagements

Catalysing Change Week

Moderator

May 2022

Matthew served as a moderator for "Becoming Net Positive: in conversation with Paul Polman" as part of the 2022 Catalysing Change Week virtual event.

2020 17 Rooms Global Flagship Meeting

Moderator

Sep 2020

Matthew Bishop, Co-founder of the 17 Rooms Initiative and Brookings Institute fellow, served as a moderator for the talk titled "Responsible Consumption and Production".

Social Value Investing with Howard W. Buffett and Matthew Bishop

Speaker

Feb 2020

New York, NY, USA

Matthew Bishop joins professor and author Howard W. Buffett to discuss how Social Value Investing presents a new way to approach some of society’s most difficult issues. They will discuss how solutions can be found through new partnerships in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.The event is sponsored by the Gabelli Center for Global Security at Fordham University.

17 Rooms Global Flagship Meeting

Co-organizer and Speaker

Sep 2019

New York, NY, USA

17 Rooms is an event designed to focus attention on identifying practical steps to accelerate progress on meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Philanthrocapitalism, 10 Years On

Speaker

Sep 2019

Durham, NC, USA

In this event hosted by Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy, Matthew Bishop discusses developments that have occurred over the past decade since the publication of his book, Philanthrocapitalism.

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Matthew Bishop’s Education

University of Oxford

BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics

1983 - 1986