Democratising Economies Through Place-Based Thinking

Abstract

The current economy does not have room for everyone. Corporate initiatives have increased the distance between those who thrive and those who are left behind. In contrast, developing a grounded economy using regional strengths and relationships provides an economy of slower groups but also requires a lesser investment, making it easier for all to participate. Local food initiatives are just one type of entrepreneurial activity providing community wealth and dignity. This chapter describes what such an asset-based economy looks like, identifies the collaborative tools needed for the development of such a regional economy and tells the story of successful grounded development. Such an economy grows on the creative talents of citizens and the resources that their regions provide rather than on government intervention for well-being.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes

MarcelMarcel Proust

An earlier version of this chapter was presented at the Knowledge Cities World Summit in Arequipa, Peru, in June 2017. This summit was hosted by the National University of San Agustin de Arequipa and the World Capital Institute.