The Imperatives for Economic Systems Change
The Imperatives describe the design objectives and characteristics of the economic system we must move toward.
Imperative 21, along with a coalition of partners, led a global process to co-create the Imperatives for Economic Systems Change with a network of 350 organizations, giving the movement greater coherence and power.
The process emerged from the public launch of Imperative 21 in April 2020 at the virtual Skoll World Forum, with the objective of building a shared understanding of the economic system change needed for the 21st century and the pathways to get there.
Why the Imperatives Matter
A North Star
A shared vision of a just economy that creates shared wellbeing on a healthy planet.
A Basis for Accountability
A foundation of principles for the diverse network of allies pursuing that vision to hold each other to.
A Catalyst for Collective Action
Allowing a diverse network of allies to find common ground and act together toward economic systems change, even across different perspectives and approaches.
The Imperatives
01
Design for Interdependence
- —Recognize the interdependence of healthy people, planet, and economies
- —Balance the relationships between the private sector, government and civil society
- —Ensure that everyone has access to free and fair markets
Nasiruddin Akmal for RESET
02
Invest for Justice
- —Remove structural inequality
- —Ensure leadership and ownership are more inclusive, and investment more accessible
- —Use technology to advance democratic ideals and human rights
- —Promote greater voice, power and opportunity for those currently marginalized
LMNOPI for RESET
03
Account for Stakeholders
- —Measure success based on credible common metrics of sustainable value creation for all stakeholders
- —Create incentives that reward business and investments creating social and environmental value
- —Enhance standards of fiduciary duty
Mike Nicholson for RESET
Acknowledgements
The Imperatives co-creation process was stewarded by a coalition of allies that calls itself Project Portal: Charmian Love, UK21 co-convener, Chair and Co Founder B Lab UK; James Perry, B Lab board member, Co Founder B Lab UK; Charlotte Sewell, Project Portal project manager; Jason Stockwood, 53° Capital co-founder and B Lab UK board member; Chris Turner, B Lab UK executive director; Anna Heckenlively, Imperative 21 chief of staff; Robin Hodess, Imperative 21 representative of The B Team; and Jay Coen Gilbert, Imperative 21 co-chair.
Special thanks to: Derrick Feldman, Amy Thayer and the team at Influence SG; Josh Davis; New Economy Research Associates at Said Business School, Oxford University: Sabrina Bainbridge, Jillian Gedeon, Laura Ketteringham, Khanya Okumu, Aditya Rajashekaran and Saskia Rothuizen, and Laura Chavez-Varela at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.