MERGE

To measure what matters, we need to back it with metrics and policies that matter. The rich array of indices suggests that there is no shortage of 1) recognising the problem of too-narrow focus on GDP, and 2) change-makers devising a replacement for the traditional economic system. This resonates with MERGE’s publication, where we analyse the convergence of the 90 most important “beyond-GDP” metrics. But are metrics enough? Katherine Trebeck’s take is that: “measures and indicators are a necessary, but not sufficient ingredient in the task of system change”. Things look different on the policy table. Wellbeing economy ideas in policymaking face the realities, such as system inertia, lack of bandwidth, deliberate blockers, weak implementation and co-option, and so on. When the root causes of inadequate progress are not addressed, metrics alone can’t move the needle. However, Katherine also gives thought to what needs to be done: 🟡 Consistent critique: building a knowledge base and consensus that GDP as the sole measure is outdated and doesn’t cover the most important aspects of life. 🟡 Build a broad base: connecting groups who are negatively affected by GDP-dominated policymaking to ensure the policy agenda reflects the visions of everyday people and communities. 🟡 Invest in intrapreneurs: supporting policymakers to move beyond recognising to incorporating alternative indicators for economic progress and government success. Katherine proposes the use of ‘cornerstone indicators’ — simple indicators of progress that are co-produced with the community, such as the number of girls riding their bikes to school. What would be your ‘cornerstone indicators’? Read the blog “Indications of a better world?” by Katherine Trebeck, co-founder of Wellbeing Economy Alliance - WEAll, Earth4All contributor and member of The Club of Rome: https://lnkd.in/dg-sgu7Y

🔍 Curious about upcoming discussions on inclusive and sustainable wellbeing? MERGE is bringing together key insights from ToBe Research, WISE Horizons, SPES Sustainability Performances, Evidence & Scenarios, and REAL to shape new pathways for a better future🌍 📅 Explore our 2025 Events Calendar and be part of the conversation! Whether you are interested in policy, research, or innovation, MERGE offers engaging opportunities to connect and collaborate. 🔗 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/dvRhsRm6 #MERGEproject #SustainableWellbeing #HorizonEurope

🌍 Yesterday, ToBe participated in the event "Making our economies fit for the people and the planet", organised by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) and the Green European Foundation (GEF) in Brussels. The event marked the launch of the new political brief, co-authored by the two organisations, on a European Wellbeing Economy, a crucial step in advancing policies that prioritise human and planetary wellbeing over short-term economic growth.   📌 The briefing, developed through a year-long exchange with over 50 experts, identifies key challenges and offers recommendations to help the EU transition towards a wellbeing economy. The discussions underscored the urgency of integrating wellbeing economic metrics into decision-making, acknowledging that no country currently operates within planetary boundaries. While this is a stark reality, it also presents an opportunity for transformative change.   Our key takeaways from the event:  ➡️ A wellbeing economy lens is essential to assess the adequacy of policies for both societal and planetary needs.  ➡️ Local momentum is growing, with 50+ city councils, 60+ local authorities, and over 500 businesses adopting wellbeing economy principles. ➡️ The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission is leading the way in developing sustainable wellbeing metrics, distilling a comprehensive set of indicators into an accessible dashboard. ➡️ Competitiveness and sustainability are not mutually exclusive - companies that align with these principles tend to perform better in the long run.  ➡️ While political dynamics pose challenges, the need for a strong, independent European agenda on sustainability and wellbeing is more pressing than ever.   As discussions shift towards “sustainable growth” rather than post-growth, the integration of wellbeing indicators remains a political choice. With strong research backing their benefits, it is crucial to continue advocating for policies that place human and planetary wellbeing at the core of economic decision-making. 🔍 The ToBe project remains committed to fostering this transition, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable wellbeing in Europe! 👉 Read the political brief here: https://lnkd.in/eezQdNFQ   #ToBeProject #WellbeingEconomy #HorizonEurope #degrowth #postgrowth #beyondGDP

Call for submissions: A Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth 📣 The initiative “Roadmap for eradicating poverty beyond growth”, launched by the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Olivier De Schutter, aims to guide governments and international agencies to adopt concrete policy action that prioritises human rights, care, and wellbeing within planetary boundaries — advocating for a shift from a growth-centric development model to a human rights economy. 📝 The Roadmap will provide a toolbox of short-, medium-, and long-term policy actions that can be tailored to different governance levels and various contexts. The call for submissions to inform the Roadmap thus encourages contributors to propose concrete policy actions, including evidence-based policy recommendations and examples of successful practices, to support its development. ✍️ The Special Rapporteur invites all interested governments, international organisations, trade unions, civil society organisations, academics, activists and local actors, companies, and others, to provide written input. There is no strict rule on the format — you may forward existing reports, case studies, or research findings. 📨 The deadline for submission is 30 March 2025. Please look for more details via this link: https://lnkd.in/d5J5VEu9

It is easy to criticise the use of GDP as the sole, but damaging, measure of the (economic) health of countries, but finding alternatives is difficult because of the wide range of measures that have been proposed and discussed. While the work of developing alternatives is important, it is time to get real about using them. This report by MERGE is one of the most constructive I have seen in proposing alternatives to GDP. The report collects and analyses metrics, models and policies that look like viable alternatives to measure sustainable and inclusive wellbeing, looking for commonality between them and for approaches that include the three dimensions of wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability. GDP has the advantage of simplicity and any measure that might replace it will be more complex. There are also deeply vested interested in maintaining the status quo. The report acknowledges this and devotes space to analysing the barriers to transitioning to new measures and strategies for overcoming these. Well worth reading. #wellbeing #postgrowth #beyondgrowth #wellbeingeconomy

There is a demand to measure what truly matters, both in public perceptions and at policymaking tables. After all, we can’t improve what we don’t measure. Two kick-off conferences of MERGE were happening a few weeks ago, one online and one at the European Commission hosted by MEPs Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP), Ľudovít Ódor (Renew), and Marie Toussaint (Greens/EFA). The events brought together a diverse group of policymakers and thinkers, academia, and key actors to exchange ideas on a central issue in Europe’s current policy debate: European prosperity. While the two discussions approached the topic from different angles, MERGE’s overarching goal was to highlight the need for an economy that prioritises sustainable and inclusive wellbeing for humanity and the planet alike. Key takeaways from each conference: #1 Online kick-off conference: 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 – 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 1️⃣ There is already a convergence between various metrics and models on thematic, conceptual, and indicator levels. 2️⃣ A GDP-focused economy is so entrenched because it is backed up by established national account systems, policies, and influential interested groups. For the SIW approach to gain such a level of legitimacy, it should be institutionalised as an integrated system. 3️⃣ Moving beyond GDP requires a new consensus at four levels:     📝Theoretical: harmonising different schools of thought    ⚙️Technical: coordinating the design of composite indicators    🧱Policy: embedding measurements of SIW into the policymaking process    🔐Public: encouraging engagement scrutiny of citizens and all societal actors #2 Breakfast seminar: 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 – 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞 1️⃣ Moving beyond GDP is essential for European long-term prosperity. The picture painted by GDP overlooks mental health, care work, safety, environmental boundaries, and above all, our own wellbeing. 2️⃣ Now is the moment to redefine 'competitiveness'. The traditional definition, centred on economic growth, often exacerbates inequality and environmental degradation. A competitiveness framework for prosperity should instead focus on the wellbeing of societies. 3️⃣ Various actors are already working on reaching the aforementioned consensus, including collaborations between DG RTD, DG EMPL, JRC, and initiatives like GDP+3 and the SIW dashboard. MERGE is also contributing to this effort. MERGE will continue its work to develop advanced policy solutions and indicators and build a network of alliances to co-create narratives, strategies and tools to work together towards sustainable and inclusive wellbeing for all. Stay connected with MERGE for upcoming activities and updates! Photos provided by the MERGE consortium.

Three main takeaways from the MERGE online kick-off — Measuring what matters – Economy that would improve wellbeing for all now and in the future: 1️⃣📊 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞 — 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨.  The current model pilots the only way up: the higher the GDP, the better for all. Yet, historical evidence and contemporary trends show that a GDP-focused economy is flawed at its core. 2️⃣🔐 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 — 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. MERGE researchers identified the convergence points among 90 beyond-GDP metrics on indicator level, thematic level, and conceptual level. We do not lack alternatives, but we lack coordinated policy actions to institutionalise them. 3️⃣🛤️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.  It is time for policymakers to concretise a set of political actions to move beyond the narrow macroeconomic model to a whole-system approach that includes social thresholds and biophysical boundaries. And there is no need to start from scratch. 👇 Check out the latest MERGE blog to fully capture the discussion from MERGE researchers and the commentators about an economy that supports, rather than cripples, sustainable and inclusive wellbeing for all. You can also access the session’s material and recording from the blog. 📝 Link to the blog: https://lnkd.in/dfi4iPSP 

How can wellbeing be placed at the heart of EU governance? 🇪🇺 Last week, we organized a discussion at the European Parliament on the topic - how to redefine competitiveness for it to serve European values of wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability (if interested, MERGE is where to follow 💙). This is a pivotal time for Europe. It's fascinating to work with these topics, reminding that we do have the agency to work together, search for hope, and consensus on what matters. #EU #wellbeing #governance

An important topic for the European landscape at this moment: How to achieve competitiveness that serves European values of wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability 🧵 Competitiveness must be redefined: not as relentless resource extraction but as the wellbeing and resilience of societies. With a plethora of in-depth research on an economy that promotes sustainable and inclusive wellbeing, what is needed now is concrete political actions. Policymakers may choose to wait for an ultimatum – a groundbreaking paper to solve all questions – but European wellbeing cannot afford to wait. This week, at the European Parliament, MERGE seminar - Measuring what matters — Redefining competitiveness for the prosperity of Europe - was hosted by MEPs Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP), Ľudovít Ódor (Renew), and Marie Toussaint (Greens/EFA). Together with other policymakers and experts, we opened a crucial discussion on the topic. Here are three main insights from the seminar: 1️⃣📊 Moving beyond GDP is essential for European long-term prosperity. In their opening remarks, three MEPs emphasised the urgent need to include sustainable and inclusive wellbeing metrics in EU policies alongside GDP. Aligning EU policies with sustainability goals and solidifying parliamentary engagement in moving the agenda forward is essential. 2️⃣📯 Now is the moment to redefine 'competitiveness'. Olivier De Schutter (UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights) highlighted how the current definition of competitiveness exacerbates inequalities and environmental degradation. He proposed a human rights- and sustainability-based perspective, centring on investment rather than cost reduction, with new indicators to monitor progress. Extending the argument, Mario Nava (Director-General, DG EMPL) and Maria Cristina Russo (Director of Prosperity, DG RTD) stressed the need to balance economic and social considerations. They presented a broad spectrum of activities from DG RTD, DG EMPL, and JRC, among others, such as the GDP+3 and dashboard of SIW metrics that support this shift. 3️⃣🧶 Consensus is key — whether in theoretical approach, political means, or dashboard of measurement. In the panel discussion, Romina Boarini (OECD - OCDE WISE Centre), Anu Peltola (UNCTAD Statistics), Mikel Landabaso (JRC, European Commission), and Enrico Giovannini (University of Rome Tor Vergata, Luiss Guido Carli University) provided insights on how European policies can evolve to support wellbeing-centred competitiveness. Europe has the opportunity to lead in 'competitive sustainability' — linking productivity, innovation, and resilience. The moment to act is now. It was an honour for MERGE to contribute to the discussion and action of a sustainable and inclusive economy in national and EU-level policies. Thank you for your participation and engagement, and we look forward to continuing this important work together in the future! ⭐️

Happening on 3rd February: Measuring what matters - Economy that would improve wellbeing for all, now and in the future 🧮 Europe is facing a range of challenges: geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, rising living costs, climate crises, political polarisation, and more. Humanity is breaching planetary boundaries, damaging the economy and future wellbeing. The limitations of GDP growth have become undeniable. At the same time, the EU is discussing its competitiveness and the need to strengthen it. Thus, we need a reimagination of competitiveness, and how to make data matter in building sustainable and inclusive wellbeing. Above all, we need a clear understanding of the required and coordinated actions.       How can we move from beyond-GDP discussions to developing coherent policies, metrics, and models for sustainable and inclusive wellbeing? Which metrics, models, and policies are available for building it? How can we design new policy frameworks to be more user-friendly and accessible in building an economy that supports sustainable and inclusive wellbeing?  We kindly invite you to the conference where together we’ll discover these questions and other relevant dimensions. Details include: - 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: 3rd February, 3:00-4:30 PM CET - 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Online, open for all - 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚: 🔹 Setting the stage: The Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing framework & How to build appealing narratives beyond GDP economics – Tuuli Hirvilammi  🔹  Metrics and models are available that can help describe and achieve SIW – Rutger Hoekstra 🔹  Macroeconomic models for SIW – Rob Van Eynde 🔹  Perceptions of SIW approaches – Brent Bleys  🔹  Towards an integrated system and consolidation – Robert Costanza 🔹  On the importance of consensus – Mario Biggeri 🔹  Commentary speeches ➡️ Sign-up link: https://lnkd.in/dNf_YjUT #merge