Matthew Bishop is an award winning journalist, economist, and founder of several influential social innovation initiatives. He spent more than 25 years at The Economist, including a decade as New York Bureau Chief, where he helped launch some of the magazine’s earliest podcasts and conferences. He now writes the Any Other Business column for The Observer and is recognized globally for his expertise in media, philanthropy, technology, and social progress.
Matthew later led the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center in Italy, advancing ideas to action initiatives addressing major global challenges. He co founded the Social Progress Index, the GivingTuesday movement, 17 Rooms, and Catalyst Now, each shaping global conversations on community impact and development. His leadership includes roles with the Knight Bagehot Foundation and several journalism awards.
At BRIDGE Summit, Matthew will discuss the future of social innovation, the role of media in shaping global priorities, and how technology and philanthropy can accelerate collective progress.
For decades, media funding has surged and collapsed in cycles, spiking around elections or crises, then evaporating when attention fades. The result is a fragile ecosystem where vital storytelling depends on the mood swings of philanthropy. In this session, H.R.H. Princess Lamia Bint Majed Saud AlSaud joins Matthew Bishop to explore how the media industry can break free from this pattern. Drawing from her leadership at the intersection of business, media, and philanthropy, Princess Lamia offers insights on building sustainable, purpose-driven media ecosystems, where long-term investment, inclusion, and impact take precedence over fleeting attention.
TV Presenter, Sky News Arabia
Founder & CEO, O Bastidor
Executive Producer, Director & Screenwriter, China Film International Media
Author, Futurepolis
Executive Chair, UWG INC.
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