"But as you say, the fundamental stumbling block is the question of the future of the economy. And it's not just the sort of economic laboratory question, of what kind of system would best generate growth, which is the way it's presented"

Joe Slovo is referring to the essential issue of the economy and its future. He is recommending that the concern of what kind of system would best create development is not simply a theoretical one, but a practical one that needs to be addressed. He is implying that the existing economic system is not working which a new system needs to be implemented in order to ensure financial growth. He is also suggesting that the present system is not offering the needed resources to guarantee financial growth. He is emphasizing the value of discovering a brand-new system that will create development and provide the necessary resources to make sure economic development. He is recommending that this is not simply a theoretical concern, but an useful one that requires to be addressed.