It is possible to shape the economy in a democratic way

When we begin to see the economy as a social system that can be designed to meet our needs, rather than an abstract phenomenon dictated by natural laws outside of ourselves, we realise it is possible to shape the economy in a different way.

At Commons Network, we take the commons as an inspiration model to enhance the democratisation and social-ecological transition of the economy. We collaborate with social movements, civil society, and governments to fundamentally redesign our economy. We do this collectively and in coalition with many others, learning and building together.

Mission
At Commons Network, we are committed to developing a democratic and caring economy
for everyone. As a collaboratory hub and centre of expertise in the fields of commons, cooperative economy and democratic technology, we connect knowledge with action: we share expertise, build concrete alternatives and influence policy to bring about transitions and structurally change the system.

We transform the economy through three pillars:

1. Change policy and institutions

Through political organising, advocacy and public-civic partnerships, we aim to create structural changes to enable the new economy to flourish.

2. Build the new economy and practices

By building networks, coalitions, and movements, and fostering political education, we aim to support democratic economic practices and strengthen local economies.

3. Tell the story­

We tell the stories of economic practices and inspiring developments that show that there is an alternative horizon. We aim to stretch people’s imagination of what is possible to enact change.

Commons Network History: A word from our director, Sophie Bloemen

“When I started CN with my co-founder David 10 years ago, we had worked together in civil society in European policy in Brussels, and we knew there was something missing in the purely humans rights based approach many of us working in nonprofits and politics were taking. We were claiming justice from a broken and unsustainable system.

What was missing was a transformational approach about how we produce, work and live, about how the economy functions. Once central aspect of such an approach is the collective, the community, another one is the idea of sufficiency.

That’s why we started Commons Network, to bring this transformational perspective. And today, 10 years later, we see this vision resonates with many people, not just among our peers in movements and think tanks, but also in the institutions and corporate life. Commons Networks has worked with many partners on different levels of government and implemented many projects. Today, we no longer have to convince; we now have to answer the question, how? How do we do it? Help us!

And that’s why: 

• We develop and spread transformative ideas, for example, on the digital commons, democratic technology and postgrowth across Europe

• We bring people together and build coalitions, for example, in the MeentCoop association in Amsterdam, the Democratic Tech Alliance in Europe, and the Municipalist Network Europe.

• We influence policy and transform institutions, for example, inspiring many municipalities to change their procurement policies to benefit the local economy. 

• We empower & nurture collective practices and help build the community economy, Help groups re-learn how to collectively make decisions, and how to take part in the economy, with incubator programmes and other instruments. 

  
  

Together, we work toward economic transformation: ensuring the social economy grows from around 15% of our economy to more than 50% in the coming decades.

We will continue building a democratic and caring economy, in coalition with many others and hopefully also with you”