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

Entrepreneurial Minds: Hosted by Lord Kamall

A Conversation with Karen Davies
Founder and Chief Executive of Purple Shoots

Date: Wednesday 8 April
Time: 18:30 – 21:00
Venue: Institute of Economic Affairs, 2 Lord Street, Wedstminster, London. SW1P 3LB

Join us for the sixth talk in our Entrepreneurship Seminar Series, where Lord Kamall (Honorary Research Fellow, Vinson Centre) interviews leading entrepreneurs at the forefront of innovation and enterprise. This joint seminar series is hosted by the Vinson Centre, the Institute of Economic Affairs, and the Buckingham Enterprise and Innovation Unit.

Register here

Date(s)
8 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

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