The Summary: As the national economy slows and household budgets remain under sustained pressure, economists and policymakers keep pointing to a single silver bullet to turn things around: boosting productivity. Yet for many workers, the term often sounds like corporate jargon for doing longer hours for the same pay.

On this episode of The Summary, host Josh Bryant unpacks what productivity actually means in the modern era and why Australia has hit an economic stalemate. Dr. Alex Robson, Deputy Chair of the Productivity Commission, explains why productivity is about working smarter rather than Harder, how rapidly changing technology and digital roles make economic output difficult to measure, and the major structural barriers holding the nation back. Then, Chief Societal Economist at UNSW Professor Richard Holden explores why national growth has flatlined, what is dragging down Australian business dynamism, and what governments and companies must do to unlock long-term prosperity. 

Tap the follow button in your podcast app to get the latest episode from The Summary.

The Summary, a podcast that keeps you connected to what matters, and why.

The Summary: As the national economy slows and household budgets remain under sustained pressure, economists and policymakers keep pointing to a single silver bullet to turn things around: boosting productivity. Yet for many workers, the term often sounds like corporate jargon for doing longer hours for the same pay.
On this episode of&nbsp;The Summary, host Josh Bryant unpacks what productivity actually means in the modern era and why Australia has hit an economic stalemate. Dr. Alex Robson, Deputy Chair of the Productivity Commission, explains why productivity is about working smarter rather than Harder, how rapidly changing technology and digital roles make economic output difficult to measure, and the major structural barriers holding the nation back. Then, Chief Societal Economist at UNSW Professor Richard Holden explores why national growth has flatlined, what is dragging down Australian business dynamism, and what governments and companies must do to unlock long-term prosperity. 
Tap the follow button in your podcast app to get the latest episode from The Summary.
The Summary, a podcast that keeps you connected to what matters, and why.

Get the news you need, exactly when you need it, with The Summary. 

Powered by the national newsrooms of 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, and 6PR, The Summary brings you concise news bulletins every morning and evening to keep you up to date, plus an in-depth look at the story driving the agenda of day - every afternoon. 

The Summary, a podcast that keeps you connected to what matters, and why.

Get the news you need, exactly when you need it, with The Summary.&nbsp;
Powered by the national newsrooms of 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, and 6PR,&nbsp;The Summary brings you concise news bulletins every morning and evening to keep you up to date, plus an in-depth look at the story driving the agenda of day - every afternoon.&nbsp;
The Summary,&nbsp;a podcast that keeps you connected to what matters, and why.