Contributor(s): Professor Julia Black, Greg Clark, Professor Lord Stern | In February 2014 the British Academy published Prospering Wisely, a multimedia resource which explores the nature of ‘prosperity’ in today’s world. It highlights the importance of thinking beyond simple measures such as GDP, showing how humanities and social science research fuels our modern knowledge-based economy, helps sustain our healthy, open democracy and contributes to human and cultural wellbeing and ‘the good life’. At the heart of this contribution is the vital role played by research, epitomised by a renowned centre of research and teaching excellence such as the LSE. As a nation are we investing sufficiently in these drivers of future success and human progress? Are cuts in public expenditure imperilling the UK’s hard-won world-leading status? Professor Julia Black is Pro-Director of Research at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Greg Clark (@gregclarkmp) is the Minister for Universities, Science and Cities and MP for Royal Tunbridge Wells. Nicholas Stern is the President of the British Academy and the IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Conor Gearty (@conorgearty) is Director of the Institute of Public Affairs and Professor of Human Rights Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The Institute of Public Affairs (@LSEPubAffairs) is one of the world's leading centres of public policy. We aim to debate and address some of the major issues of our time, whether international or national, through our established teaching programmes, our research and our highly innovative public-engagement initiatives. The British Academy (@britac_news) is an independent national academy of Fellows elected for their eminence in research and publication. It is the UK's expert body that supports and speaks for the humanities and social sciences.