North Carolina ranks 11th in the Fraser Institute’s latest national economic freedom rankings. Based on 2018 data, the state moved up one spot from No. 12 the prior year. Why does this matter? As the report authors point out, economic freedom is fundamental to prosperity. In this conversation, report co-author Dean Stansel will give us an overview of North Carolina’s position compared to other states, which states are ahead of us, which are behind, and why. Then our full panel will join the conversation to look at the relationship between economic freedom and economic growth and job creation, how North Carolina can improve our prospects in the decade to come, barriers to that growth, and more.