The transformative power of economic democracy

Towards democratic practices in public spending, the workplace, urban planning and public services
Conference
rue van Maerlant 2
Brussels
Belgium

The current economic system has resulted in a significant concentration of power in the hands of a few and created record inequality. There is a need for a new paradigm — one that provides both a fair outcome and secures a democratic process. Economic democracy offers a solution by giving people agency over their economic activities, both at the individual and collective levels. If implemented successfully, it can not only bring positive economic results but also strengthen the societal fabric and individual well-being.

In collaboration with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Open Society Foundations (OSF), FEPS will organise a conference on 3 July 2024 between 09:00 – 16:00 to discuss approaches and practices that help build and scale up economic democracy. Hosted at the EESC, this event will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and activists in the field.

The conference will start with a keynote presentation by Dr. Andrew Cumbers, Dr. Karen Bilsland and Dr. Robert McMaster, the research team from the University of Glasgow, on the results of the policy study within the ongoing Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) – Open Society Foundations (OSF) project. This will be followed by several panel discussions among practitioners and policymakers on diverse aspects of economic democracy including:

  • Democracy in public spending: Spending for people’s well-being

  • Democracy at the workplace: Sharing power through employee participation and ownership

  • Democratising public services and urban planning.

Please refer to FEPS website for the list of confirmed speakers.

 

Event hosted by the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

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