Doughnut Economics for Policymakers

Doughnut Economics helps shift economic mindsets. By adopting new ways of thinking, governments can steer their economies towards meeting the needs of all people within the means of the living planet. At Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL), we have been privileged to collaborate with government agencies at sub-national, national and international levels, exchanging ideas and sharing learning on how to turn Doughnut Economics into reality.

Drawing on those exchanges, and in collaboration with the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEALL), we offer an evolving web-based guide that tailors Doughnut Economics to the needs of those working in or alongside national governments or intergovernmental institutions. Those working with local and regional governments may also find inspiration in the guide and its accompanying report, but we recommend starting with Cities & Regions: Let’s Get Started.

What’s inside

Part 1: 21st century policymaker thinking. Use the Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist to design policy and to identify existing government actions around the world. Each comes with a short video, reflective questions to use with your team, and real-world examples.

Part 2: Deep design of government. New policies only go so far if the institutions behind them stay the same. This part looks at the hidden “roots” of government (public finance, culture, operations and influence) and the levers within each, from fiscal rules and procurement to mindset, collaboration and public participation.

Part 3: Taking the next steps. Practical encouragement for starting where you are, treating your efforts as experiments, and joining a wider community of people doing the same.

Learn from governments already in action

The guide brings together more than 30 policy case studies from around the world, from purpose-driven trade to rights of nature, community wealth building and fairer taxation. You can explore them through Seven Ways of Thinking, search by keywords or jump straight to collections on local government, policies from the Majority World, policies targeting businesses, and public and private finance.

These approaches aren’t without challenges, but they show that change is already under way, and that there are diverse opportunities for policymakers to lead, experiment and innovate.

Get started

👉🏽 Explore Doughnut Economics for Policymakers 

You can also read the full background report, share your policy story, or suggest a deep design idea. We’d love to hear what you think, and to learn from your experience.