Why it matters

Our current economic system prioritises short-term growth and traditional measures of success like GDP, even when this comes at the expense of social wellbeing, ecological integrity, and equitable opportunity. This legacy model increasingly shows its limitations—fueling inequality, environmental loss, and fragile communities.

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The challenge

Across Europe and beyond, organisations and changemakers are responding to shared systemic problems: rising inequality, ecological breakdown, and declining trust in institutions. These complex, interconnected pressures signal that the old economic paradigm cannot deliver the wellbeing needed for people and the planet.

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The field

• Half of the organisations working on economic systems change were founded in the last decade, showing a surge in activity and innovation.

• Aware of the limitations of the mainstream economic system, these initiatives challenge its underpinnings and incarnate new models of economic purpose, social bonds, governance and value distribution.

• Despite this growth, the field is still fragmented and underfunded, limiting collective impact. Many organisations spend disproportionate effort chasing short-term funding rather than scaling systemic alternatives.

• Effective change requires both tangible alternatives in everyday life (housing, energy, food systems) and credible policy pathways that can influence macroeconomic decision-making.

 

Why invest now

Transforming towards a wellbeing economy isn’t just desirable—it’s increasingly necessary. By strengthening the connective tissue between organisations, aligning resources, and building shared infrastructure, we can accelerate systems change that supports thriving communities, equitable economies, and resilient environments. There is increasing evidence that a diverse and expanding ecosystem exists—and that strategic investment can empower it to scale.

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