The Foundational Economy Collective is a loose international grouping of (mainly) European academic researchers working together to develop a new way of thinking which challenges mainstream ideas about what economic policy should be.  Our starting point is the foundational economy – including health, care, education, housing, utilities and food supply- because these basic goods and services are a driver of welfare and the basis of citizenship.

Our members come from several countries, a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and have different political affiliations. As a group, we come together for an annual conference, produce multi authored books and other diverse outputs including working papers and public interest reports. We are collectively minded, work together continuously and aim to lever social innovation that changes what is politically possible. More information can be found in Short Films.

We have two partner organisations:

Foundational Economy Research Limited is an action research agency of researchers focused on socio economic understanding places and reliance systems in ways which find political possibilities of intervention for foundational improvement. The UK based team works with and for government, third sector and trade partners, preferably on a long-term partnership basis.

Foundational Alliance Wales is a membership organisation which brings together practitioners and academics who are developing the foundational reform agenda In Wales. Launched in 2022, the alliance has action groups in housing and care, organises zoom meetings on a variety of topics and an annual conference. The FAW organiser is Jo Quinney .

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