Geoffrey Mulgan CBE is an academic, author, and former government official known for his work in public policy, social innovation, and collective intelligence. Born in 1961, Mulgan holds a first-class degree from Balliol College, Oxford, and a Ph.D. in telecommunications from the University of Westminster. He began his career as a journalist for the BBC and later served in various roles in the UK government between 1997 and 2004, including directorships in the Strategy Unit and the Prime Minister's office under Tony Blair.
In 2004, Mulgan founded the think-tank Demos, where he served as the director until 1998. He then became the first Chief Executive of the Young Foundation, transforming it into a leading center for social innovation. From 2011 to 2019, he led the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts (NESTA) as its Chief Executive, expanding its reach globally and diversifying its programs.
Mulgan has authored several influential books, such as "Good and Bad Power," "The Art of Public Strategy," "The Locust and the Bee," "Big Mind," and "Social Innovation." He has also contributed to numerous publications, including the Financial Times, The Guardian, and the New Statesman.
Throughout his career, Mulgan has advised many governments worldwide and held positions on various boards, including the Work Foundation, Big Society Capital, the Health Innovation Council, Political Quarterly, the Design Council, Atomium Culture, and Involve. He has been a visiting professor at prestigious universities like the London School of Economics, Melbourne University, and Harvard University. As a prolific speaker, Mulgan has delivered TED talks on topics such as the future economy, happiness, and education.