Frances Cairncross

Brainstormer, Educator/Teacher, Environmentalist, Idea generator, Journalist

I was a senior editor on The Economist for 20 years and now run the fourth oldest college in Oxford - founded in 1314. In my time at The Economist, I wrote books on the environment ("Costing the Earth"); on the economic and social impacts of the internet ("The Death of Distance") and on how the communications revolution would transform companies ("The Company of the Future"). I am now on the Council of Economic Advisers for Scotland and on the Foundation for Effective Governance of Ukraine.

Helping some of the world's brightest and most motivated young people to build fulfilling and useful lives in roles where they can make a difference to the future of humanity

My idea of the moment is that universities are the most important institutions in the world. They are the link between the young and the future. They are the main machinery for diffusing new ideas to those who will go out to apply them. They are the keys to national competitiveness. And they are where the brightest and best in every nation discover their potential and learn how to apply their skills. We need to nurture and encourage universities as part of a conscious programme to build the future through the intelligent and motivated young.

Last year, I missed TEDGlobal. I lay in bed in my College room with pneumonia. I heard reports from my two house guests - Karen Armstrong and Deborah Scranton. And I heard TED parties in the garden below. This year, I intend to enjoy every moment of TED. I especially want to meet people who love Tolkien, Alan Bennett and Philip Pullman - because these are all our alumni. But I am hungry for new ideas and introductions, and want to make up for lost time.

chairing meetings, gatherings, conferences in a way that makes everyone feel they have learned something new and had fun.