for the public understanding of economics and entrepreneurship

Forthcoming Events

15 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: 15 May 2026
Time: 13:00 – 14:30
Venue: Enterprise Hub (First Floor), Vinson Building, The University of Buckingham

Register here

18 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

3 June 2026 - 5 June 2026

Public Policy Bootcamp

The Public Policy Bootcamp is an annual, 2.5-day residential programme that brings together early-career professionals working in public policy for an intensive, practical deep-dive into contemporary policy challenges. Dive into global trade, fiscal & monetary policy, public health, national security and climate from a classical-liberal perspective.

Date: 3-5th of June 2026

Apply here

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

More detail here

26 June 2026

Vinson Centre Annual Conference

No Categories

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.

27 July 2026 - 31 July 2026

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

No Categories

Hold the date – more information coming soon.

Venue: Enterprise Hub, University of Buckingham.

Click here for a list of past events