Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Mission Economy summary
A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism
20 mins
Brief summary
Mission Economy by Mariana Mazzucato proposes a new type of capitalism that focuses on solving global challenges, such as climate change and inequality, using government-led investments and partnerships with the private sector.
Table of Contents
Mission Economy
Summary of 6 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 6
We need to transform our political economy with an approach as visionary as the 1960s moon mission.
In 2020, the world plunged into the Covid-19 crisis. Faced with disaster, many governments approached the crisis with a method best summed up by three words: whatever it takes.
This was surprising: even governments usually fond of economic austerity injected billions and billions into supporting healthcare and the economy.
But what sort of system were they propping up? The sad truth is, the political economy was suffering from plenty of deep, structural problems even before the coronavirus came along.
Fixing those problems requires some seriously big-picture thinking, with a mighty sense of purpose – or, as the author Mariana Mazzucato puts it, a sense of mission. And what better inspiration than the iconic mission that culminated more than 50 years ago, with one small step?
The key message here is: We need to transform our political economy with an approach as visionary as the 1960s moon mission.
“The most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.” That’s how President Kennedy described the moon mission in 1962. It took seven years, cost $28 billion – about $283 billion in 2020 terms – and it involved north of 400,000 people.
How could any government afford that? Here’s the thing: it wasn’t about the cost – it was about the mission itself. Simply put, the government was committed to spending whatever it took.
But that paid off, and not just in terms of the moon landing itself. All the work the mission required resulted in spillover effects that still surround us today.
Here are just a few examples. The making of the spaceship’s computer stimulated the development of modern software. An aluminized polyester material called Radiant Barrier, which was invented to keep the astronauts warm, now insulates our homes. And the management methods needed to organize NASA’s vast teams were emulated by Boeing for the 747.
In other words, one ambitious, overarching mission created countless knock-on effects.
That’s not how government thinking works these days – but it should be. Far too often, government projects are dictated by the size of the budget, even when they don’t have to be. But put the mission first, and the sky's the limit – quite literally.
It’s not easy to change our way of thinking like this – in fact, according to the author it requires us to completely overturn our thoughts around both government and capitalism. But it might be the only way to build a future world that’s as resilient as we need it to be.
Want to see all full key ideas from Mission Economy?
Key ideas in Mission Economy
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Mission Economy about?
Mission Economy (2021) explains how we can rethink our approaches toward government and capitalism through the concept of missions – huge, ambitious projects that inspire people across society to think big. These blinks show how we can change the world by taking inspiration from one of the most famous missions of all: the moon landing.
Mission Economy Review
Mission Economy (2021) by Mariana Mazzucato offers a fresh perspective on the role of government in driving innovation and solving societal challenges. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through meticulous research and compelling case studies, it demonstrates how a mission-oriented approach can transform economies and create sustainable growth.
- By exploring the ways in which public and private sectors can collaborate, it presents a powerful argument for rethinking our understanding of government and the economy.
- With its vivid examples and thought-provoking insights, it manages to make even complex economic concepts accessible and captivating.
Who should read Mission Economy?
- Visionary thinkers who want to transform society
- Economists and politics fans in search of bold new ideas
- Critics of capitalism who want to see change
Categories with Mission Economy
Book summaries like Mission Economy
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Mission Economy FAQs
What is the main message of Mission Economy?
Mission Economy highlights the importance of utilizing public investment and innovation to address global challenges.
How long does it take to read Mission Economy?
The reading time for Mission Economy varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Mission Economy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Mission Economy is a must-read for those interested in understanding how governments can drive inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Who is the author of Mission Economy?
The author of Mission Economy is Mariana Mazzucato.
What to read after Mission Economy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Mission Economy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Value of Everything by Mariana Mazzucato
- Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson
- What Every BODY is Saying by Joe Navarro
- Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Help Me, I Have No Discipline and Zero Self-Control by Vaughn Carter
- Economics for the Common Good by Jean Tirole
- Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche
- How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids by Carla Naumburg
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey