#81 Steering Luxembourg’s economic future | Vincent Hein

LuxUnplugged Podcast

In this episode, Adrien sits down with Vincent Hein, a director and economist at Fondation IDEA, to dive into the pressing economic and policy issues facing Luxembourg. Vincent shares his passion for economic development and public policy, shedding light on his dual role at Fondation IDEA—a think tank created by the Chamber of Commerce to spark fresh ideas and stimulate public debate in Luxembourg.

In this conversation, we delve into what it truly means for Luxembourg to be competitive—sustainably generating high income and fostering social cohesion while facing global competition. We examine the crucial roles of talent, investment, and innovation in maintaining this edge. This leads us to the burning question: amidst a global shift towards resilience due to recent crises, how can competitiveness once again become a top priority for policymakers?

The discussion heats up as we delve into a recent panel hosted by Fondation IDEA, where Luxembourg's competitiveness was critically assessed. Despite some rankings showing a decline, Vincent highlights Luxembourg's strengths, such as a skilled population and political stability. However, he raises critical concerns about the soaring costs of labor and living, especially how wage indexation and skyrocketing housing prices hinder Luxembourg's ability to attract and retain top talent.

Innovation and digitalization, particularly in the financial sector, are key to boosting Luxembourg's competitive edge—another hot topic Adrien and Vincent tackle. Vincent underscores the importance of research and development (R&D) and the need for technological advancement to drive economic productivity. They also explore the paradox of Luxembourg's development: evolving into a financial powerhouse while clinging to a rural mindset. Toward the end, Vincent shares his perspectives on securing long-term prosperity in Luxembourg and the role that a shift in urban planning and mindset might play.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into Luxembourg's economic landscape and discover the strategies needed to ensure its future prosperity.