The Future of the Economy Is Regenerative

Prof. Dr. Stefan Hankammer and Lena Kaufmann in conversation with sustainability expert Jan Schmirmund.

“We must give back more to the planet than we take from it!” This is what Prof. Dr. Stephan Hankammer and Lena Kaufmann from Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences in Alfter near Bonn advocate in the new book by sustainability expert Jan Schmirmund. The publication has just been released by Murmann Verlag under the title “Regenerative Economy. How Pioneers Are Shaping an Economy Worth Living In.”

“The economy of the future must—and will—be different: in view of the climate crisis and the massive transgression of almost all planetary boundaries, it is no longer enough simply to act in a less environmentally harmful way. We must take action—for an economy that contributes to restoring our planet,” appeals Jan Schmirmund in his new book “Regenerative Economy. How Pioneers Are Shaping an Economy Worth Living In.” In order to provide not only numerous practical examples but also a scientifically grounded foundation, he discusses the topic in the first chapter with Prof. Dr. Stephan Hankammer and Lena Kaufmann. They agree: something has to change so that, in the spirit of a regenerative economy, life is placed at the center of all thinking and action while at the same time giving back more to the planet than we take.

Because everything on the planet is interconnected and interdependent, as Lena Kaufmann makes unmistakably clear. In this context, one can also speak of a systemic view of entrepreneurial action. Jan Schmirmund sums it up: “This means nothing other than that companies can be successful in the long term above all if they promote and preserve the health of the ecological and social systems in which they are embedded.” The previous course of attempting to decouple economic growth from ecological development, says Prof. Dr. Stephan Hankammer, does not work. Planetary boundaries have already been exceeded, which is why a paradigm shift is needed.

Schmirmund explains how this can succeed using a wealth of functioning examples. In dialogue with real pioneers, he shows what an economy fit for connection and the future can look like. The book can be read as a tool for sustainable transformation. For everyone who wants to help shape an economy and society worth living in.

Here you can find the publisher’s preview.

Book photo: Murmann Verlag / Portrait photos: Alanus University

Press contact:
+49 (0)2222 9321-1944
presse@alanus.edu

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