What do we mean by a sustainable economy?
By this, we naturally mean an economy in line with the WGA vision of “a world in which every human being can realise their potential and the Earth can reveal its wonders”. In addition to strengthening the actors of a sustainable economy by providing appropriate training for the next generation, the project’s second aim is to raise the profile of these actors. We all know that countless people, companies and organisations are working towards a good life for all, yet this is largely invisible. Prof. Dan McKanan of Harvard explicitly reflects this in an analysis of the anthroposophical movement: it does not sufficiently demonstrate the practical experience it has gathered over the last 100 years, even though in various areas it is ahead of current research. Can we, together, succeed in making this treasure from the business world so comprehensible that a forward-looking economy becomes increasingly visible? We intend to address this area on four levels, either independently or in cooperation with/through the support of other stakeholders.
Two specific initiatives have already been established: the ‘Expedition Source’ leadership course, in which decision-makers from the next generation set out to discover the essence of their company in connection with their own inner source, thereby laying the foundation – the connection between the company’s essence and its people – for the company’s future. Methodologically, this involves visiting, observing and reflecting on three of the participants’ respective companies. Through observing and being observed, combined with various reflection methods, tools and inputs, (self-)awareness and direction emerge. The first course began in November 2025 in English and will end in September 2026. The second course will be held in German and will start in the autumn. We will provide information here as soon as registration opens.
As a further part of the project, a foundation module will be offered in the summer semester in collaboration with Witten/Herdecke University for both business and medical students. Through direct engagement with specific businesses and their leaders, as well as an analysis of these experiences, the module aims to help students perceive business as a cultural phenomenon that can be shaped. This pilot module is to be followed by two further modules at different universities, which will then enable an evaluation to be carried out in collaboration with the universities as part of an institutional learning partnership. Even though most business students today still learn conventional business practices, we want to help ensure that anyone interested can also get to know other types of enterprises and facilitate a genuine encounter with pioneers of the ‘economy of the future’.
For two further levels, we require, on the one hand, the systematic development of tools for a future-oriented economy and, on the other, your experience in the field of economic education.
We ask you to take 3 to 5 minutes to answer the following questions
We are delighted to have had Florian Rommel on board since the start of the year to provide academic support for the project. In addition to helping establish Cusanus University – now the University for the Free Shaping of Society – he has a PhD in education within a pluralistic economic framework, has extensive teaching experience, and is actively campaigning for reform in economic education.
