ToBe project is progressing well, and it has reached all its planned milestones during the 1st reporting period. Key insights developed in the project during the first year have been published as a first ToBe Policy brief, titled ‘Time ToBe Transformative”.
In WP1 (Theories and indicators for the transformation towards a ‘sustainability paradigm’), led by Tampere University, we have together with all partners outlined a theoretical understanding of sustainable wellbeing consisting of three universal human needs: health, relatedness, and autonomy. This notion of sustainable wellbeing shows how wellbeing is multidimensional and cannot be measured with one indicator only. We have emphasized the importance of sufficiency because sustainable wellbeing requires a balance between poverty and excess. We have also studied both empirically and conceptually what is the role of changing policy goals and mindsets in transformation. For understanding the role of indicators in the transformation, we have developed novel criteria that can be used when trying to evaluate what alternative indicator initiatives support the transformation towards sustainable wellbeing.
In WP2 (Empirical analysis of different processes of economic growth), led by Stockholm University, we have collected quantitative data both in Europe and in African countries to start analysing the relationship between economic growth and its social and environmental implications. The collected data includes all the data necessary to construct two Indexes of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) for the 27 EU countries individually and for the EU27 as a whole. We have already produced new knowledge on carbon taxes, redistribution, and attitudes. The comparative analysis of 26 European countries indicates that the welfare state protects households from relative income poverty due to environmental taxes. It also suggests that both social insurance and social assistance play important roles in reducing poverty among different households who are facing environmental taxes.
WP3 (Identifying innovative policy options and understanding processes of change), led by VTT, has carried out both a desk study and qualitative empirical research on alternative growth initiatives in Europe, South America and South Africa to better understand what the drivers and barriers to implementation are. We started the work by reviewing the literature and building a conceptual framework for alternative growth initiatives. We then carried out preliminary interviews and field observations in in Ecuador and in several Global North countries to start analysing what are the drivers and barriers of implementing alternative growth initiatives. During the first year of the project, we have worked towards a case selection for in-depth studies both in Ecuador and in the Global North and planned a visit and forthcoming case study in South Africa.
WP4 (Modelling wellbeing and sustainability outcomes), led by University of Leeds, aims to develop an ecological macroeconomic model that combines conventional macroeconomic variables with indicators of wellbeing and sustainability. It can be used when assessing policies from a multidimensional perspective and when revealing the synergies and trade-offs inherent in the transition to sustainability. We have conducted a targeted review of existing ecological macroeconomic models. From the long list of close to 100 models, we chose a sample of 15 models to investigate how environmental and social indicators are linked to current macroeconomic models. In addition, we have created a set of toy models, explored policies, and identified social and biophysical indicators to be included in the model.
WP5 (Communication, dissemination and exploitation), led by EURADA, communicates, disseminates, and engages stakeholders, via social media, website, publications, and attendance to events. A Communication & Dissemination plan and a visual identity for the project have been created during the 1st reporting period. We have published the first newsletter of the project and increased the numbers of followers in our website and social media accounts. We have also started to plan co-creation activities that are going to take place later in the project. ToBe partners have presented their work in various high-level events.
