Series of Conferences Market and Morality - Main contents

In the Spring of 2009 the Montesquieu Institute, in collaboration with the Amsterdam Institute for German Studies and others, organised a series of conferences on the question of morality in the current market. During three conferences this topic, which has become increasingly relevant due to the current financial crisis, was examined.

The conferences, 20 April and 14 and 15 May, were held at unique locations in The Hague and Amsterdam. Prominent speakers elaborated on the current state and future perspective of Rhineland Capitalism, as well as on the new responsibilities of corporate actors and policymakers.

20 April, Nieuwe Kerk, The Hague

´Rhineland capitalism in times of crisis´

The debate on the future of capitalism is more lively than ever. Now that the American financial crisis has resulted in a global recession, the Rhineland and Anglo-Saxon models, which are often portrayed as opposites, are increasingly the subject of discussion. The recent economic shift draws attention to a number of important questions: what are the renewed responsibilities of stakeholders, shareholders, and the state? And how do these actors deal with this new reality?

With Kurt Biedenkopf, former Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, Laurens-Jan Brinkhorst, former Minister of the Department of Trade and Industry, and Donald Kalff, CEO of Immpact and advisor to Roland Berger.

14 May, Chamber of the Dutch Senate, The Hague

´Towards a more social European Market: rethinking the Rhineland model´

For the past 60 years, Rhineland Capitalism has characterized the German and Dutch economies. Now that the severe consequences of the financial crisis are being felt all across Europe, these joint social economic experiences of Germany and the Netherlands are of high value. Combined with the lessons learned from the recent flirtation with the Anglo-Saxon model, these experiences may provide a starting point for a European future in which the balance between market and morality is better safeguarded.

With among others Jürgen Rüttgers, Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia and Alexander Rinnooy Kan, Chairman of the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER).

15 May, Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam

´Morality in the boardroom: lessons to be learned from the crisis´

For senior managers and entrepreneurs, the encounter with markets and morality is an everyday experience. The lessons learned from their experiences and responsibilities are of immense importance. How do European businesses distinguish themselves? How is the European way of doing business affected by the free market economy, by globalisation, and by the current recession? How much room is left for moral conscience within the board?

With among others Ben Noteboom, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Randstad and Rudy Stroink, CEO of TCN.

Admission is free.

For more information and how to register, please visit: http://www.marketandmorality.eu