Marianna Mazzucato awarded FEPS ‘Progressive Person of the Year’

Marianna Mazzucato was awarded the Progressive Person of the Year 2025-2026 award from the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) at the launch of the Progressive Yearbook on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

Mariana Mazzucato, Professor at University College London and Founding Director of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, stands out among contemporary economists as a voice of clarity and reason. A tremendously inspirational writer and speaker, she has consistently challenged entrenched myths that pit the public and private sectors against each other. In the intellectual desert left by the neoliberal era, she has been a ray of hope, guiding young academics and older policymakers on how to avoid pitfalls and find forward-looking solutions to complex governance problems.

Mazzucato is among the progressive thinkers of our time who not only rethink how to achieve economic growth, but also how to build a different economy that genuinely serves social needs and environmental sustainability. Her voice has been heard around the world in discussions on industrial and innovation policy, climate action, digital transformation and geopolitical resilience.

The award ceremony occurred during FEPS’ New Year reception, which also saw the launch of the seventh edition of the Progressive Yearbook and the official departure of Maria João Rodrigues as FEPS president and the handover of the presidency to Nicolas Schmit.

FEPS awards the title of Progressive Person of the Year to social democratic leaders and personalities who contributed to the most important progressive policy initiatives of the past year. Previous recipients include Frans Timmermans, Sanna Marin, Roberto Gualtieri and Teresa Ribera.