How can we help communities succeed in this rapidly evolving digital world? Introduction At the dawn of the first Industrial Revolution, the Scottish economist Adam Smith wrote of the invisible hand. In The Wealth of Nations he wrote about how, business owners working for their own gain, were “led by an…

The answer to the crises of contemporary capitalism cannot be ‘more of the same’. We need something different. — The crises of contemporary capitalism are threatening the well-being of people and the planet, contributing to pessimism about the future. …

In order to live as individuals, we need to be part of something bigger. — There is no shortage of analysis and commentary on the multiple and significant challenges facing the UK right now. From the climate and nature crises to the rising cost of living through to deeply entrenched social inequities, they are innately connected in their causes and effects. …

As we lurch from crisis to crisis I find myself asking: what might another reality look like for the UK? — In 2008, the astrophysicist Alexander Kashlinsky gazed up at the sky searching for clues to the universe’s origins. What he found was anything but ordinary. As he peered into the vast expanse of the cosmos, he saw something that defied the laws of physics as we knew them. …

Do you remember the future? It wasn’t that long ago. It started on doorsteps and balconies, and sounded like thunderous applause and banging pots. Chatter spread across garden fences and online, and there appeared to be a consensus emerging about what a ‘better future’ may look like. One that provides…

It’s a crazy idea, but some believe it could save the world. Here’s why. Most people live in poverty. In fact, eight out of ten people on the planet live on less than $30 a day. Whilst global poverty has decreased significantly in recent decades, it’s still an issue that…

In the month since I last wrote one of these a lot has happened. Joe Biden had a nap, Boris Johnson went to Peppa Pig World, and Richard Madeley became unwell after sliding head first into a sewer of fish guts and offal. All in all, a great showcase for…

This week’s notes are a homage to my missing cat A major distraction this week has been the disappearance of my cat, Marlon. The little tyke popped out last Wednesday to catch some mice and never came back. …

This week I’m talking about the extractive vs. regenerative economy — This week I want to talk about the extractive vs. regenerative economy (via the medium of charts and memes). It’s been a month since I last provided an update, but hopefully this is a useful overview of some of the thinking I’ve been doing during that time. The extractive economy It seems pretty…