Symposium in Vienna:
80 years of “The Road to Serfdom”
April 24, 2024 in the Great State Hall, Vienna
In 1944, Friedrich August von Hayek’s seminal work, The Road to Serfdom, was published. In this influential book, he articulated his vision of a state, economic, and social order in which freedom reigns supreme.
The symposium in April 2024 marked the 80th anniversary of this landmark publication and highlighted the enduring relevance of Hayek’s ideas.
This prestigious event showcased the life and legacy of Friedrich von Hayek, while critically examining the contemporary significance of his theoretical contributions. Esteemed speakers from academia, business, and politics delved into the question of whether, and how, inspiring insights can be drawn from the Nobel Laureate's work to address today’s challenges.
The symposium was organized by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (Wirtschaftskammer Wien), the Friedrich-August-von-Hayek-Stiftung, and the Vienna Business Circle (Wiener Wirtschaftskreis).
On the evening before the symposium, a ceremony was held in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, at which Jens Weidmann, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Friedrich-August-von-Hayek-Stiftung, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Commerzbank AG and Professor at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, gave the ceremonial speech.
Keynote
Friedrich August von Hayek | Life and topicality of his works
ao. Univ.-Prof. i.R. Dr. Hansjörg Klausinger Vienna University of Economics and Business | Co-author of the recently published biography “Hayek: A Life, 1899-1950”
Keynote
“The Road to Serfdom” in a historical context and its significance for today
Prof. Dr. Stefan Kolev | Scientific Director of the Ludwig Erhard Forum for Economy and Society, Berlin
Interview
In which areas of our economic policy should more of F. A. v. Hayek's ideas and impulses be implemented?
Prof. Dr. Monika Köppl-Turyna | Director ECOAustria in conversation with Mag. Jeannine Hierländer | Deputy Head of Economist, Die Presse
Keynote speech
What makes F.A.v. Hayek a “ Real Austrian”? Thoughts on the continuing relevance of the Austrian School of Economics
Mag. Dr. Alexander Linsbichler, MA | Senior Postdoc at the Johannes Kepler University Linz
Podium discussion
Can the energy and climate crisis only be solved with a planned economy? Are we on the way to climate servitude?
From an economic perspective:
Prof. Dr. Veronika Grimm | Professor of Energy Systems and Market Design at the Technical University of Nuremberg Member of the Council of Economic Experts
Prof. Dr. Renate Köcher | Managing Director of the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research
DI Iris Ortner, MBA | Managing Partner of IGO Industries
From a political perspective:
Mag. Christian Kern | former Federal Chancellor
Dr. Wolfgang SchĂĽssel | former Federal Chancellor
Moderation
Dr. Alexander Biach | Attorney for Vienna
Interview
What significance do the theories and arguments of F.A.v. Hayek have in today's economic and financial policy?
BM Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Kocher in conversation with Dr. Martina Salomon | Editor of the Kurier
Closing remarks
Dr. Alexander Biach
Dr. Wolfgang SchĂĽssel | former Federal Chancellor
Eighty years ago, Friedrich August von Hayek's most famous work, The Road to Serfdom, was published. His thesis—that every centrally planned economy inherently tends toward totalitarianism, and that there can be no middle ground between socialism and a market economy—remains strikingly relevant in 2024.
To mark the occasion, a prestigious symposium was held in April 2024, preceded by a celebratory event the evening before. The panel discussion between WKO President Dr. Harald Mahrer and former Austrian Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang SchĂĽssel offered profound insights into the enduring relevance of Hayek's ideas.
Both events underscored one key message: even in today's highly complex world, Hayek's theories and reflections continue to provide essential inspiration for thought and action—whether it is avoiding excessive government debt, promoting innovation, reducing excessive bureaucracy, or emphasizing the critical importance of knowledge and education.