New Economy for the 21st Century
Global crises, rising inequality and shifting systems demand new thinking on prosperity. How can we support livelihoods and build institutions that deliver fair, sustainable futures for all?
The challenge
Today, being at the forefront of prosperity thinking carries a different meaning than it did a decade ago. New threats have emerged. There are significant questions about the fitness of national and international governance systems for managing conflicts of interests, cultures and beliefs. There are clear crises surrounding the legitimacy of governments, and deep anxiety about corporate commitment to societal wellbeing. Social inequalities are rising, while climate shifts are disrupting our ecosystem. These shifts demand a renewed strategic direction.
How can we develop pathways and support livelihoods that deliver future prosperity for all? What new social, economic and political institutions are needed for our changing societies?
What we do
A new 21st century economy requires innovative social, economic, and political institutions that can drive equitable, sustainable prosperity and support the long-term wellbeing of people and places. This includes whole-system economic approaches, reimagined social protection, and the development of an economy of belonging centred on quality of life. It also involves transforming financial inclusion so that financial practices reflect community priorities and enable people to lead the lives they value.
At the IGP, we bring together citizen-led research, academic research, and collaborative, multi-stakeholder partnerships with communities, government, businesses, and researchers, to develop new forms of knowledge and new ways of working that bring transformational change. We help decision makers co-design policies that serve both people and the planet.
Our projects
Rebuilding Macroeconomics
A research network rethinking how economies work in the real world, focusing on people, uncertainty and how better policy can support fair and resilient societies.
Universal Basic Services
How can free public services shape a fairer society? This programme explores how housing, transport and more can support wellbeing and help communities thrive.
Financing Prosperity
Can we move beyond debt-driven economies? This hub explores fairer, more sustainable ways to finance society, bringing together experts to rethink how economies support people and communities.
MERGE
MERGE is Horizon Europe funded Coordination and Support Action (CSA) project with an aim to find pathways towards inclusive and sustainable wellbeing.
Understanding prosperity in Asia
Exploring what prosperity means in Asia, this hub examines economic, social and technological change, gender equality, and local pathways to fairer, inclusive growth.
Mar Mikhael Vulnerabilities
A study of Mar Mikhael six months after Beirut’s 2020 port blast, assessing evolving vulnerabilities, recovery gaps, and impacts on residents.
Featured publications
Blog: What cash can tell us about Palestine’s fragmented geography
Cash circulation across Gaza and the West Bank reveals important insights into the structural conditions shaping Palestine’s financial landscape.
Report: Connecting Communities. Evaluation of a pilot project aimed at promoting digital inclusion
The ‘Connecting Communities’ Project aims to improve digital inclusion in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets through a digital Universal Basic Services (UBS) pilot.
Report: The importance of social investment for UK economic strategy
This paper from The British Academy calls for investment in people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life to unlock cascading benefits that will in turn drive our growth and productivity.
Blog: We need societal therapy to overcome our addiction to GDP
In this blog Prof Costanza argues we can learn from addiction therapy at the individual level to find new ways to overcome our harmful societal addictions before it is too late.
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