regenerative economy lab

Expert-designed courses in new economic thinking

Helping more people play a role in creating an economy in service of life

  • Our economy needs an upgrade. From climate change to AI risks, conflicts to extreme inequality—humanity faces multiple, overlapping crises, driven by an extractive economic system that prioritises profits and growth over people and planet.

  • Regenerative economic thinking is about centring human needs within planetary limits. From Wellbeing Economies, post-growth businesses to the Doughnut Model—these approaches offer pathways towards a world in which our economies work in service of life.

  • We create spaces where people can learn, connect, share their knowledge and lived experiences—and identify ways they can take action–individually, and collectively—in their organisations, communities, networks and within society at large.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

seeds of change

10th & 11th July

Berlin, Germany

Located on a permaculture farm just south of Berlin, this two-day immersive workshop is designed for budding regenerative economy practitioners who want to learn more, build community, and find ways to take action.

Registrations are now open. Follow the link to see the programme and to sign up.

into the woods

Vienna, Austria

25th & 26th September

For people who want to find their place in building a regenerative economic system, held in a unique space on the edge of the Vienna Woods.

We are currently finalising the programme and will open registrations soon. Follow the link to register for updates.

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!