Michael is a global expert on education reform and is currently the chief education advisor at Pearson, where he leads their worldwide programme of research into education policy. Before Pearson, he was head of McKinsey's global education practice where he co-authored two influential reports, How the world's best-performing schools come out on top and How the world's most improved school systems keep getting better. Previously, he led the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit (2001-05) and served as chief advisor to the secretary of state for education on school standards (1997-2001).

Michael's relationship with Nesta is a long one; he was the chair of Nesta's Innovation Programmes board and, with Nesta, published a paper on the crucial role of education in tackling social challenges, Impossible and necessary.

Building on his recent publication, Oceans Of Innovation, at this event Michael talked about the imperative for education systems around the world to unlock systemic innovation. This revolution is needed if we are to inspire a generation, and produce global leaders able to rise to the challenges of the 21st century.

Geoff Mulgan, CEO of Nesta, hosted the event, which included a Q&A session with Sir Michael after his presentation.