Governance structures for a sustainable economy

Arild Vatn

Chapter 15 in Rethinking Ecological Economics, 2026, pp 248-274 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter is devoted to discussing strategies to transform the economy to become sustainable. It draws on insights from the preceding chapters. A vision for a sustainable economy is defined. Ideas regarding how to think about transformation are presented and discussed. Emphasis is on identifying leverage points for change that could set in motion self-reinforcing mechanisms. Strengthening the role of civil society is identified as key. This is based on the observation that creating a sustainable economy demands changes at all levels of society. It is also nurtured by the idea that a deepened democracy – strengthening the role of the citizen and social rationality – is both a highly legitimate development as well as embodying capacities to reinforce the process of transformation. Further changes to the structures for political decision-making are proposed. Finally, ideas regarding a reorganized economy that such a changed political system could embark on are presented and discussed.

Keywords: Vision for a sustainable economy; Transformative action; Social rationality; Citizens; Assemblies for sustainability; Sustainability house; Ecosocial enterprises (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781803921839
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781803921846.00031 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:21493_15

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.e-elgar.com

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Jack Sweeney ().