for the public understanding of economics and entrepreneurship

The Vinson centre is a space for research and knowledge exchange at the University of Buckingham where individuals and teams come together to pursue exciting projects in novel ways.

Who we are

We are the home of Classical Liberalism in the United Kingdom.

We work with students and scholars of economics of all ages on events and outreach to promote a wider understanding of how markets and entrepreneurship promote welfare. We do this through events, programmes, publications and multi-media. We welcome collaboration with schools, colleges, universities, think tanks and individuals.

We challenge received wisdom and rethink economics and entrepreneurship as a single subject furthering our understanding and pursuit of trade and enterprise in a free society.

The Vinson Centre

The initiative and its programmes were made possible as a result of the kind support of Lord Vinson of Roddam Dene. On launching the centre, Lord Vinson commented: “Overwhelmingly the facts pointed to Buckingham as the place to choose if you want to advance entrepreneurialism – manifested, not least, by being the first university to offer two-year courses and its uniquely sound thinking on liberal economics. Both Buckingham and I have been closely associated with the IEA, and I and my Trustees wanted to cement the relationship. As an entrepreneur I have been exceptionally fortunate in life. I also wanted to foster the qualities that create new businesses, because they are the foundation of the prosperity of any nation.”

The Director of the Centre is Juan Castañeda, Senior Lecturer of Economics at the University of Buckingham.

Events

How Money is Created in a Modern Economy

Date: 16 April 2026
Time: 9:00am GMT
Venue: Online

Join us online on 16 April for an engaging talk led by Professor Juan Castañeda, where you’ll gain a clear and accessible understanding of how money is created in the modern economy. This session will unpack the roles of commercial banks, central banks, and monetary policy, helping you make sense of the forces shaping inflation, financial stability, and economic decision-making today.

This webinar also offers insight into our new Economics programmes: MA Money, Governments and Central Banks (by Research) and Money, Inflation and Monetarism (Short Course). Discover how our courses equip students with the analytical and critical skills needed to navigate complex financial systems and tackle real-world policy challenges with confidence.

Register here

Date(s)
16 April 2026

Vinson Centre Seminar Series: Dr Pablo Paniagua

Development at the point of a bayonet? Quantifying and demystifying the Latin-American Miracle. An empirical political economy paper about Chile’s transition from dictatorship to democracy

Date: Friday 8 May 2026
Time: 13:00 – 14:30
Venue: Enterprise Hub (First Floor), Vinson Building, University of Buckingham

Register here

Date(s)
8 May 2026

Vinson Centre Seminar Series – Dr Victor Codeceira

Electoral Competition and Economic Development: Evidence from Pakistan

In recent years, many commentators have challenged the idea that democratic institutions are more conducive to economic growth and development. In this paper, we contribute to the literature by studying the impact of electoral competition on economic development in Pakistan from 1992 to 2018. Using data on electoral competition provided by the Election Commission of Pakistan and data on local economic development proxied by nighttime light data, our findings suggest that electoral competition improves economic growth and the provision of public goods. Baseline estimates show an increase in nighttime light intensity of around 9–11% in electorally competitive constituencies compared with non-competitive constituencies, corresponding to an increase in local GDP of around 2.7–3.4%.

Join us to hear more from Dr Codeceira on this topic, with the opportunity for discussion.
Authors: Akseer Hussain (York) and Victor Codeceira (Buckingham)

Date: 14 May 2026
Time: 13:00 – 14:30
Venue: Enterprise Hub (First Floor), Vinson Building, The University of Buckingham

Register here

Date(s)
14 May 2026

Vinson Centre Seminar Series – Dr Victoria Bateman

Free markets, Free enterprise & Free women: A New Economic History of the World

Date: Monday 18 May, 2026
Time: 16:00 – 18:00
Venue: Enterprise Hub (First Floor), Vinson Building, The University of Buckingham

Leftist global histories tell the same story when it comes to women. They present us with a happy world in which women were revered and rewarded by their communities until the advent of capitalism ended this utopia. From Friedrich Engels to Silvia Federici, we are told that growing commercialisation left women exploited, vulnerable and penniless. The notion that free markets and free enterprise have only ever created opportunities for men is one of the most fundamental strings in the anti-capitalist bow, one that is frequently used in attempts to sway women towards socialism. After all, why would you support a system if it doesn’t give you the same opportunities as your male peers? In her latest book Economica: A Global History of Women, Wealth & PowerVictoria Bateman presents a fresh economic history of the world that challenges Marxist interpretations of the past, champions individual freedom and shines the light on female entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

Register here

Date(s)
18 May 2026

Public Policy Bootcamp

Hold the date – more information coming soon.

Venue: Vinson Building Auditorium, University of Buckingham. Buckingham.

Date(s)
3 June 2026 - 5 June 2026

Vinson Centre Annual Conference

In collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Governance and Society (King’s College London).

Hold the date – more information coming soon.

Venue: Vinson Building Auditorium, University of Buckingham. Buckingham.

Date(s)
26 June 2026

IES Europe & Liberty at Camp Vinson – an induction to Classical Liberalism

Hold the date – more information coming soon.

Venue: Enterprise Hub, University of Buckingham.

Date(s)
27 July 2026 - 31 July 2026

How to find us

The Vinson Building
University of Buckingham
Hunter Street
Buckingham
MK18 1EG UK