Conference: Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations and Economic Thought Today

Date: October 19, 2026

Time: 4:15 PM

Location: To be announced (TBA)

Conference language: English

“The conference will highlight the significance of Smith’s work for economics, economic policy, and the education of future economists. It will focus not only on the historical context of The Wealth of Nations, but also on the question of why Smith’s ideas remain relevant in today’s world of globalization, the digital economy, and changing markets.”

Conference Program

• Dr. Jan Kozák and Dr. Josef Klement – Adam Smith’s Timeless Insights: Why His Thought Still Shapes Economic Policy Education
• Professor Alex Trew, University of Glasgow – Adam Smith’s Economic System at 250
• Professor Sai Ding, University of Glasgow – Digital Imports and Firm Productivity: Does Winner Take All?

All presentations will be followed by a space for questions and discussion.

Adam Smith is one of the most prominent figures in the history of economic thought. He was a student, professor, and rector at the University of Glasgow, where many of his ideas were formed, which he later developed in his seminal work, The Wealth of Nations. The University of Glasgow is commemorating the anniversary of the publication of this book through the Wealth of Nations 250 initiative, which highlights the continued relevance of Smith’s reflections on the nature of wealth, the causes of economic development, and the relationship between the economy, institutions, and politics.

Organization

The event is organized by Dr. Barbora Růžičková, Vice-Dean for International Relations at the Faculty of Economics, Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE).