Founder's welcome

Dear Reader,

I established the Foundation for Harmonic Development because I would like to see a generation of economists grow up in Hungary who — grounded in firm values and scientific foundations, respecting performance and keeping local communities' interests in mind — are able to think and act pragmatically for the sustainable growth of well-being.

Why is this especially important in the 21st century?

Economics likes to consider itself a value-neutral science. Yet economists who fervently believe in one intellectual school or another often step out of university gates.

Some believe in the omnipotence of the market and the exclusivity of efficiency. Others, citing the harmful side-effects of the market economy, question the fundamentals of economics in the name of justice.

I know both worlds. I have experienced the rigidity of market believers, which narrows economic thinking to efficiency, as well as the neo-Marxist fervour that, in the name of justice, tends to ignore incentives, performance and economic realities.

We do not wish to replace one dogma with another.

I believe that the task of science is to recognise real problems and to work out feasible solutions. This requires openness, methodological rigour and a deep understanding of the social, economic, historical and cultural environment. And when existing theories fail to give adequate answers, we must devise new approaches.

This is one of the most important missions of the Foundation for Harmonic Development.

We want to create genuine dialogue between science, public policy and the corporate world. It is the task of science to inspire decision-makers and to provide usable answers. It is the task of political and business leaders to bring new questions to science from their experience, and then to translate the resulting knowledge into decisions and action.

This calls for economists who are able not only to understand but also to shape the future.

In our training programmes, students can master the quantitative, mathematical and methodological foundations of economics from outstanding instructors. From business leaders and policy-makers, they can learn how theory meets reality: what is feasible from what looks good on paper, and what determines the success or failure of a good idea.

Another defining area of our work is the development of the Harmonic Development Index. The index aims to measure the sustainable growth of well-being — taking all its essential dimensions into account — relying exclusively on data and scientifically grounded methodology.

We are convinced that development cannot be reduced to economic growth. Economic and financial sustainability, work- and knowledge-based activity, social cohesion, the state of the environment and demographic processes all shape the lives we can live today and the world we leave to the next generations.

This is also reflected in the Foundation's name. We seek growth that does not consume but multiplies our resources; that does not tear apart but strengthens our communities; and that does not buy short-term results at the expense of the future.

Please support our work as your means allow, and visit our site regularly to learn about our research, training programmes and the achievements of our community.

Let us work together so that humanity — and Hungary within it — will not merely endure the 21st century, but shape it and emerge among its winners.

I wish you an inspiring read!