Human-Centered Economics

This initiative is grounded in the principle that economic systems are tools created by society and must therefore be aligned with human values and collective goals. The purpose of an economy is not merely to produce goods or accumulate capital, but to ensure dignity, opportunity, and security for all. Human-centered economics shifts attention from abstract financial indicators to the real conditions of people鈥檚 lives鈥攅mployment, health, education, equity, and environmental sustainability.
A central focus of the project is the role of work in human development. Meaningful employment contributes not only to income, but to identity, participation, and social cohesion. Economic systems that fail to provide opportunities for productive engagement undermine both individual dignity and social stability. The project therefore emphasizes policies and institutional arrangements that support employment security, lifelong learning, and inclusive growth.
The initiative also addresses the governance of finance and markets. When financial systems are detached from productive activity and social purpose, they amplify inequality and instability. Human-centered economics calls for greater transparency, accountability, and long-term orientation in economic decision-making, ensuring that investment supports real human needs and environmental resilience.
Ultimately, the Human-Centered Economics project seeks to advance an economic paradigm that balances efficiency with equity, innovation with responsibility, and growth with sustainability. By aligning economic activity with human security and shared prosperity, it contributes to building societies that are resilient, just, and capable of supporting long-term peace and well-being.

COURSE

Human-Centered Economics

This course critically examined the limitations of neoliberal economic theory and explored the foundations for a new, human-centered economic paradigm. The program focused on transitioning from a model centered on capital and GDP growth to one that prioritizes human security, welfare, and the equitable development of human capital. By integrating insights from across the social sciences, the course sought to redefine economic value and institutional design to better serve the needs of society and ensure sustainable prosperity for all. Read more.

EVENT

XV International Colloquium

Hosted at the OECD headquarters in Paris, this series of panels confronted the “perfect storm” of global challenges鈥攊ncluding rising inequality, democratic retreat, and ecological instability鈥攖hat have rendered traditional governance models obsolete. The program moved past surface-level reforms to investigate the deep-rooted systemic flaws in our current social, economic, and political institutions, advocating instead for an “integrated science of society.” By examining the interplay between technology, social power, and human values, the discussions aimed to lay the groundwork for a new paradigm that prioritizes collective human security and sustainable well-being in an increasingly fragmented world.听Read more.

EVENT

XIV International Colloquium

Set against the backdrop of Stellenbosch, South Africa, this colloquium confronted the paradox of the modern age: a world of unprecedented technological wealth that remains haunted by persistent poverty, inequality, and ecological fragility. The sessions moved beyond traditional economic metrics to interrogate the “Anthropocene” crisis, arguing that our current governance and financial systems are fundamentally misaligned with human well-being. By examining the hidden power structures and outdated premises of economic theory, the gathering sought to sketch the blueprints for a truly human-centered system鈥攐ne where the management of money, technology, and natural resources is redirected to serve the dignity and survival of the global collective.听Read more.

EVENT

XIII International Colloquium

This colloquium, held in Lisbon, addressed the deepening crisis of global governance by questioning whether our current social and economic institutions are still fit for purpose in a volatile, interconnected world. The sessions pushed beyond conventional academic boundaries to explore how the “science of society” can be redesigned to better manage the transition toward a sustainable future. By focusing on the intersection of human rights, social power, and the need for a more inclusive economic paradigm, the gathering sought to identify the transformative levers necessary to move humanity from a state of perpetual crisis toward a new era of collaborative security and shared prosperity.听Read more.

EVENT

XII International Colloquium

This colloquium, hosted at the University of Florida, tackled the growing friction between traditional economic models and the urgent realities of the 21st century. Rather than focusing on narrow financial metrics, the discussions centered on “Human-Centered Development,” exploring how economic theory must evolve to prioritize social well-being, ecological sustainability, and the equitable distribution of wealth. By bringing together a diverse group of global thinkers, the event sought to challenge the status quo and outline a more integrated framework where human security and dignity are the primary drivers of global progress. Read more.

Events

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Reports & Articles


  • October 2022 鈥� March 2024

  • August 2023

  • March 2023

  • September 20, 2022

  • November 6, 2020

  • October 26, 2016

  • November 29, 2021

  • March 17, 2020

  • 28 August, 2021