Geoff Mulgan

Geoff Mulgan CBE is Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London, recognised globally for his expertise in how societies solve complex problems through innovation and institutional design. Former Chief Executive of Nesta and adviser to governments worldwide, he has pioneered transformative ideas including social impact bonds, anticipatory regulation and joined-up government whilst founding influential organisations such as Demos and the Young Foundation. His forthcoming books on public sector innovation, exploratory social science and collective stupidity equip leaders and organisations with practical frameworks to reshape institutions, foster smarter decision-making and drive meaningful change in an increasingly complex world.

Over three decades, Geoff Mulgan CBE has founded more than a dozen organisations, pioneered ideas now embedded in government policy worldwide, and led institutions that have reshaped how societies tackle complex problems. His career spans roles as a BBC journalist, a senior adviser in the Prime Minister's office, Chief Executive of two major foundations, and now Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London. From directing the UK Government's Strategy Unit between 1997 and 2004 to leading Nesta, the UK's innovation foundation, through nearly a decade of growth that saw its endowment reach £450 million, Geoff has consistently worked at the intersection of bold thinking and practical implementation. He founded Demos, one of the UK's most influential think tanks, served as the first Chief Executive of the Young Foundation, and helped establish organisations including the Social Innovation Exchange, Action for Happiness, the Alliance for Useful Evidence and Nesta Italia.

Geoff's credibility rests on both intellectual rigour and hands-on experience. He holds a PhD in telecommunications and has taught at institutions including the London School of Economics, Harvard University and the China Executive Leadership Academy. His advisory work spans continents: he chairs an international committee for the Mayor of Seoul, advises the Prime Minister's office in the United Arab Emirates and the Scottish Government, and has co-chaired World Economic Forum groups on innovation in the fourth industrial revolution. He has pioneered concepts that have moved from theory to widespread practice, including joined-up government, anticipatory regulation, social impact bonds and creative economy strategies. His books, translated into over twenty languages, include 'Big Mind: How Collective Intelligence Can Change Our World' and 'The Art of Public Strategy', with forthcoming titles on public sector innovation, exploratory social science and collective stupidity scheduled for publication through 2027. These works distil decades of learning into accessible frameworks that guide leaders navigating institutional reform and societal change.

Audiences gain practical tools for transforming how organisations and governments solve problems. Geoff connects abstract concepts to actionable strategies, showing leaders how to redesign institutions for agility, foster smarter collective decision-making, and implement innovation that delivers measurable results. His presentations draw on real-world case studies from his time advising dozens of governments and running major foundations, offering insights into what works, what fails, and why. Whether addressing corporate executives, policymakers or civil society leaders, he equips audiences to move beyond rhetoric about transformation and instead build the plumbing that makes change possible. His approach is grounded in evidence, sharpened by experience, and focused on helping organisations create lasting impact in an increasingly complex world.