Through the implementation of low carbon-based energy systems and participatory modes of governance, there are countless collective initiatives progressing towards a sustainable and resilient energy model. Local alternatives necessarily have to be able to scale in order to address global challenges. From the renewed paradigm of the commons, this empirical research provides a precise picture of the present scalability of these (self) transformative initiatives in Spain. Based on the identification and qualitative analysis of 18 of them via semi-structured in-depth interviews, the article explores their upper and lower limits; the importance of power distribution and citizen participation; the relational dimension of the scale; the upscaling forms and the role of public institutions. On the basis of the results obtained, the article finally presents recommendations aimed at strengthening this scalability of the energy commons.
Population aging is a great human achievement, but the economic literature normally addresses its effects in a narrow way and as a “problem” to be solved. The objective of this paper is to provide a more balanced approach to aging by calling into question some widespread ideas in the economic literature on aging, such as its supposed negative influence on economic growth, its impact on labor productivity or the assumption that aging societies are incapable of applying reforms. The paper adopts the renewed civil economy framework and takes as a reference the existing literature about beliefs and wrong assumptions on aging. The innovative contribution of this analysis lies in its effort to foster a positive perspective in the population aging field of research and in challenging negative associations regarding old-age stereotypes.
In the context of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in Bizkaia (Basque Country, Spain), and from the renewed Commons paradigm, this research analyzes the initial response given by the region’s employment ecosystem. Based on extensive quantitative and qualitative methods, it empirically explores the catalytic role that local public and social entities could play in coordinating an organized and systemic response of the employment-related stakeholders to an external impact, such as the current pandemic. The study of databases specifically provided by the Public Administrations for this research, in combination with two survey processes conducted to the main agents of the ecosystem, led to a greater understanding of the benefits of an organized and systemic reaction. From the community identification of a priori unrecognized impacts by individual actors to the proposal of actions closely connected to their short and long-term needs, the article finally presents recommendations aimed at strengthening the resilience and collaboration of the collective action.
This research reviews the commons paradigm as a framework for understanding the positive contribution of older cohorts to society. The commons, thought as instituting praxis that provide social goods based on autonomy and reciprocity, can help in understanding the role of this age group in providing care to the rest of society. This approach overturns the way economic literature approaches the aging phenomenon. What is understood as a “common evil”—or a problem that needs to be solved—can be analyzed as a “common good.” From this perspective, older people (population aged 65 and over) are essential to European society and the economy to carry out informal care activities that enable and facilitate the “productive” activities of working people.
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