HKS Authors

See citation below for complete author information.

Frank and Denie Weil Director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government (on leave)
Charles W. Eliot University Professor

Abstract

Lawrence H. Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and President Emeritus of Harvard University, has seen the ups and downs of the American economy throughout the decades. As leaders today contend with fears of economic downturn, the growth of artificial intelligence, tariffs, inflation and more, he shares what he thinks we should—and shouldn’t—be worried about. He also discusses how he believes businesses can create stability through macroeconomic uncertainty, and how coming technological and economic forces will shift the labor market, policy agendas, and more.

Citation

Summers, Lawrence H. "Smart Businesses Are Going to Maintain Flexibility." Harvard Business Review IdeaCast, July 1, 2025.