Posts by Angeliki Vourdakis
New economic thinking in Finland — Action on the fringes
Finland’s intellectual and policy landscape remains dominated by neoliberalism, with limited space for alternative economic thinking. While few independent new economic actors exist, institutions like universities, labour unions, and political parties are home to new economic thinkers. Despite resistance, shifts in public discourse, such as debates around Finland’s budgetary frame, suggest opportunities for change and the growth of alternative economic narratives.
Read MoreNew economic thinking in Greece — “Pregnant” with promise
Greece’s history of societal unrest fuels anti-neoliberal sentiments, but new economic thinking remains fragmented. Activism and grassroots movements thrive, yet they lack institutional backing. While heterodox economists like Yanis Varoufakis have influence, deeper collaboration is hindered by ideological divides. Opportunities lie in sustainability efforts, particularly in energy communities, which challenge traditional capitalist structures.
Read MoreNew economic thinking in France — A small but vibrant space
France’s new economic thinking is small, fragmented, and largely issue-oriented, with a focus on social justice and environmental issues. The field is supported by academic networks, cooperatives, and NGOs, but systemic transformation is limited by a lack of cross-sectoral funding and institutional support. Despite influential thinkers like Thomas Piketty, heterodox economics remains weak in academia and policymaking, hindering broader economic change. However, there is growing interest among students and the public in alternative economic models that address ecological crises.
Read MoreFive statements for sustainable urban mobility — learnings from Finland
Finland aims to reduce traffic emissions by 50% by 2030. To meet this goal, Demos Helsinki and partners held discussions to explore sustainable urban mobility. Key findings include the benefits of car-free living, the economic advantages of sustainable mobility, the role of compact urban design, the importance of data sharing, and the need for regulatory changes to promote low-carbon transportation options. Collaboration between cities, businesses, and mobility sectors is essential to creating accessible, sustainable transport systems that improve the wellbeing of citizens and the economy.
Read MoreFor blockchain to create trust, we need public governance and regulation
Trust is integral to the functioning of any society and the legitimacy of public institutions. In recent years, the trust in public institutions has been decreasing. At the same time, blockchain technology has created hope and hype in indirectly rebuilding public trust and governance. Blockchain has the potential to solve challenges related to trust, but only when combined with (a) appropriate regulation and (b) accountability mechanisms for public governance.
Read MoreDesigning policies for a wellbeing economy — learnings from Finland
Finland is developing a wellbeing economy governance model to complement traditional economic goals, focusing on citizens’ wellbeing. Challenges include overcoming siloed government structures, balancing economic and wellbeing priorities, and clearly defining wellbeing. These insights aim to inform global efforts, promoting cross-sector collaboration and a more people-centric approach to policymaking.
Read More1.5° — A life we can desire
To achieve a 1.5° life and reduce carbon emissions, we emphasize the importance of reimagining sustainable living as desirable and achievable. Our research highlights how cities, businesses, and individuals can contribute to a carbon-neutral future through systemic changes, regulation, and accessible products and services. Collaboration and imagination are key.
Read MoreThe climate crisis is a governance crisis
Governance must evolve to effectively tackle the climate crisis. Current systems, rooted in the industrial era, are inadequate for addressing the scale of transformation required. Empowering individuals, ensuring coherence in climate action, and delivering meaningful policies are essential. Additionally, global collaboration and systemic change are critical for achieving sustainable solutions and addressing the climate emergency.
Read MoreThe EU must develop new policies for the data economy
The European Union’s focus on digitalization Digitalization, continuously in progress, transforms the very fundamental structures of our economies and societies. On September 15, 2021, the European Commission published its State of the Union and, along with it, a Path to the Digital Decade. The EU wants “to be digitally…
Read MoreDemos Helsinki expands and grows its research activities
This autumn, Demos Helsinki has won several large grants for research projects from the most competitive research funding programs in the world. This strengthens Demos Helsinki’s research capabilities and positions our team strongly in the European and Finnish research ecosystems. NetZeroCities We are a research partner in the…
Read MorePolicies against algorithmic discrimination still lacking
The deployment of AI systems in the public sector is still in its infancy, but algorithmic discrimination has been identified as a growing risk. The first findings of research project ‘Avoiding AI Biases‘ show that tools to assess and address discrimination are still lacking. The challenge: Algorithmic discrimination threatens fundamental…
Read MoreUNTITLED Festival 2021 – Creating An Agenda For Transformation
In 2020, Demos Helsinki joined forces with an unlikely group of member organizations, activists, and professionals who are capable of initiating a Transformation. We called it UNTITLED. UNTITLED has grown into a global Alliance that aims to reimagine the central institutions of our society and to experiment on how to…
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