regenerative economy lab

Expert-designed courses in new economic thinking

Helping more people play a role in creating economies in service of life

  • Humanity faces multiple, overlapping crises, driven by an extractive economic system that prioritises profits and growth over people and planet. We urgently need fresh economic thinking, yet too many academic courses and business schools are stuck teaching out-dated models.

  • We aim to help more people engage with regenerative economics, which centres meeting human needs within planetary limits. From Wellbeing Economies, the Doughnut Model to post-growth—these approaches offer pathways for reconfiguring our economies to work in service of life.

  • Many ideas and examples exist, yet there is a gap between theory and action. We aim to fill that by creating spaces and by nurturing communities where people can come together learn, connect, co-create and identify ways they can take action–individually, and collectively.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

into the woods

About: Our last nature-based workshop of the season! Join us at the end of September in a unique location in the heart of the Vienna Woods for this two-day immersive workshop where we will dive into the principles of regenerative economics, connect with others, exploring what is holding us back—and what we can do to shift towards economies that work in service of life, in our communities, organisations, networks and as part of a broader movement.

The location is with communting distance of the city centre, around 30 minutes by public transport plus another 10-25 minute walk/cycle (or we can arrange a pick-up by car). The price includes a light breakfast, snacks and lunch both days, all plant-based, prepared onsite using local ingredients. On the evening of day one we will close with a campfire and optional evening meal, weather-permitting. Onsite camping is also possible. Optional activities, such as yoga or sauna, may be organised depending on interest.

We have 15 spots available and registration is now open. Click below to see the programme and find out how to register.

Vienna, Austria

Pricing:

Standard: €300*

Solidarity/Corporate (if sponsored by a company, or to support others): €400

Reduced (for unemployed/those on lower means): €200

*We are also offering an earlybird -15% discount on the Standard price for registrations by 15th August

25th & 26th September

About

“Why aren’t more people working on this?”

I’ve heard this question time and again since I left my life as a mainstream economist in 2017. That’s the year I came across The Limits to Growth (1972), and set out to understand why the world had failed to heed its warning.

My research revealed how attacks by economists helped ensure that landmark study would be ignored by the powers that be. And why economics, even today, remains tethered to an ideology that only growth can save us—even as our climate collapses, inequality widens, cost-of-living rises… and our planet’s vital signs keep flashing red.

But I have also learned about exciting regenerative economic approaches being researched and piloted on the fringes. When I began teaching about them on a climate course for mid-career folks in 2021, I was amazed at the interest. But people inevitably wanted to know—where can I learn more? And—how can I apply this in practice?

That is why I set up the Regenerative Economy Lab. Quite simply—we need more people working on this. If that sounds like you—check out our list of upcoming workshops—or get in touch if you’d like us to (co)-host something in your community or organisation. We love to collaborate with anyone who shares our vision of an economy in service of life!

Katy Shields
Founder and Course Director
Regenerative Economy Lab

Contributors

  • Joshua Stehr

    SYSTEMIC DESIGNER, RESEARCHER, FACILITATOR

  • Tadeáš Žďárský

    TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATOR, POST-GROWTH SPECIALIST

  • Colleen Schneider

    ECOLOGICAL ECONOMIST, SPECIALIST IN MODERN MONETARY THEORY

what participants say

  • Thank you for holding this wonderful space for learning about and connecting around regenerative economic principles and practices.

    Climate investor

  • It was regenerative to be in nature and connected to people who care about systems change. Your level of expertise was highly impressive.

    Entrepreneur

  • It was made even more powerful by the diversity of the group. It was incredibly affirming to meet others who are walking their own regenerative paths.

    Sustainability consultant

Get in touch!

Interested in staying up to date? Want to suggest a workshop or collaboration? We’d love to hear from you!