Paul Krugman in Conversation with the Next Gen - on Global Challenges & Local Solutions

Samen met een nieuwe generatie kritische denkers verkent hij de toekomst van Europa en de Nederlandse economie, met scherpe analyses, ruimte voor debat en frisse perspectieven.

Het programma opent met een korte, prikkelende keynote van Paul Krugman. Aansluitend volgt een compact rondetafelgesprek met Bas ter Weel, directeur Monetair Beleid bij De Nederlandsche Bank, waarin de centrale vragen van de avond worden aangescherpt. Vanuit dit kader verdiept het gesprek zich verder in de dialoog met studenten. De bijeenkomst wordt gemodereerd door Maaike Schoon, journalist en presentator van Buitenhof.

In aanloop naar het evenement worden studenten uitgenodigd een eigen, originele visie in te sturen op de toekomst van de Nederlandse en Europese economie. Ben je student en wil je inzenden? Scroll naar beneden voor de call. Drie geselecteerde studenten krijgen tijdens het programma het podium om hun ideeën te presenteren en daarover live in gesprek te gaan met Paul Krugman en andere experts.

Ook het publiek speelt een actieve rol. Bezoekers worden uitgenodigd om mee te denken, verschillende perspectieven te verkennen en zich te mengen in de thema’s die tijdens het gesprek aan bod komen.

Dit evenement is speciaal gericht op studenten, maar iedereen met interesse in economie, Europa en de grote vragen van deze tijd is van harte welkom.

English

Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate pressure and rapid technological change are shaping the choices Europe and the Netherlands face today. In this programme, students enter into conversation with Nobel Prize–winning economist Paul Krugman about the future of Europe and the Dutch economy. For this special programme, Krugman returns to De Nieuwe Schatkamer to engage with a new generation of thinkers.

The programme includes a short keynote by Paul Krugman, followed by a brief roundtable discussion with Bas ter Weel, Director of Monetary Policy at De Nederlandsche Bank, to help frame the questions that are then explored further in the dialogue with students. This entire session will be moderated by Maaike Schoon, journalist and presenter of Buitenhof.

In the run‑up to this event, students are invited to submit an original idea for the future of the Dutch and European economy. Are you a student and would you like to submit? Scroll down for the call. During the programme, three selected students will present their ideas on stage and discuss them live with Paul Krugman and other experts.

The audience will be invited to reflect on different perspectives and actively engage with the themes raised during the conversation.

This event is especially aimed at students, but all interested visitors are very welcome.

Please note: the number of seats is limited. Registration is required.

Student Competition Call

Paul Krugman in Conversation with the Next Gen –

GLOBAL CHALLENGES, LOCAL SOLUTIONS

Are you a student with innovative ideas about the future of the European and Dutch economy? Do you want to contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing economic and political challenges? Here is your chance to make your voice heard! As part of a high-level event organized by the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) in collaboration with Universiteit van Nederland (UNL), SSH-raad, EHERO-EUR, and The Regional Science Academy (TRSA), we are inviting university students from across the Netherlands to submit their innovative ideas on critical economic and political issues. The event will begin with a keynote speech by Paul Krugman (Nobel laureate and renowned economist), followed by an interactive roundtable, featuring, amongst others, Bas ter Weel (DNB Board Member).

Three student finalists will be selected to present their ideas during this prestigious event and engage directly with esteemed speakers.

STUDENT COMPETITION – ASSIGNMENT

The global economy is entering a period of lasting uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, energy crisis, climate pressure, technological change, and social inequality increasingly shape economic choices and developments. Your task is to develop a clear and original idea that addresses one current economic challenge and proposes a new strategic solution direction for the Netherlands and/or Europe.

Your proposal should

• Start from a concrete pressing issue or challenge that is visible today.

• Take a clear science-based position on what needs to change.

• Propose a realistic way forward (policy, strategy/economy, or cooperation).

• Explain why this matters now, and for whom.

You may approach this from an economic, political-economy, public policy or interdisciplinary perspective. Originality, scientific orientation, clarity, and relevance are key.

How to Participate

Submit your proposal on a topic related to the future of the European and/or the Dutch economy, global economic cooperation, or sustainable economic policies. You may focus on topics such as:

•       Economic Resilience in Times of Uncertainty

•       Social Responsibility & Economic Inequality

•       Circular Economy & Sustainability

•       Regional Cooperation in Europe

•       Technological Innovation and the Future of Work

What to Submit

•       A concise written proposal with an appealing title explaining your vision, contribution or solution (max. 500 words in total).

•       Deadline for submission: 25 May 2026 at 17:00

•    Submissions should be sent to  Maya Shamir DNB, Programmamaker De Nieuwe Schatkamer,   m.shamir@dnb.nl

What you can win

•       Opportunity to present your idea at a high-level and insightful event in front of leading economists and policymakers.

•       Direct engagement with Paul Krugman and other influential speakers during a roundtable discussion.

•       Official recognition in the form of a certificate signed by the President of DNB and Paul Krugman, and a reception by staff members of DNB.

•    A unique chance to network with experts and fellow students in the field of economics, policy development, and international relations.

Why Should You Participate

This is a unique opportunity to interact with thought leaders, gain valuable exposure, and have your ideas heard on a global stage. Whether you are an economics, political science, business, or environmental studies student, your creative and forward-thinking ideas could be key to navigating the challenges that the Netherlands, Europe, and the world face today.

Who Can Apply?

•       Open to all university students in the Netherlands.

•       We encourage diverse perspectives from students with various academic backgrounds.

Key Dates

•       Submission Deadline: May 25, 2026, at 17:00

•       Finalists Announcement: During the event

•       Event Date: June 3, 2026  

•       Time: 16:00-18:00

•       Location: De Nieuwe Schatkamer - Frederiksplein 61, Amsterdam

•       Event information: https://www.denieuweschatkamer.nl/agendaoverzicht/algemeen/paul-krugman-in-conversation-with-the-next-gen-on-global-challenges-local-solutions/ 

Even if you are not submitting an entry, you are of course welcome to attend!

This entire session will be moderated by Maaike Schoon, journalist and presenter of Buitenhof.