The bigger picture
This decade requires profound transformation at every level of society, as explained by the IPCC, and as acknowledged by the Paris Accords and numerous Climate Emergency Declarations made by local councils in our region. Carbon emissions must be halved this decade in order to have a chance to keep global heating from exceeding 1.5°, the level scientists believe is necessary to keep societies safe from the worst-case scenarios.
To reduce emissions, our economic systems – production, distribution, consumption, finance – all of it, must transition to new zero/low carbon models. This transformation must not just take into account carbon emissions, but must dramatically reduce negative ecological impacts, or better, restore and regenerate ecosystems. Equally importantly, this transition must include everyone. We must take advantage of this crisis – and opportunity – to rectify systemic inequalities and injustice so this ‘great transition’ will also be an inclusive and just transition. We need to do our part in Torbay, just as communities must all over the UK.
Holistic approach
Our understanding of regenerative economics leads us to try to apply the insights that come from systems science and complexity, working with and through diverse networks of relationships to reveal opportunities, connecting ideas, people and resources, spreading innovations, developing capacities.
As a catalyst for change in Torbay,
we focus on five transformational activities:
Facilitating radical participation and nurturing local talent
We are working with TCDT and other partners to create spaces and platforms for people with the least economic power and capacity in our community, enabling them to participate in economic action. We will support them to develop their own power and capabilities, oriented toward mutual support, co-production, and cooperation.
Disseminating theories and practices
Promoting cultures of regenerative entrepreneurship
We are working with diverse partners to develop cultures of regenerative entrepreneurship in local communities and across the region, within and between anchor institutions, and wherever we can. Our aspirations are huge and we’re just getting started.
Mobilising local talent
Enabling convergence and co-operation
between those with the most and the least in our communities. We will be a connector, both between those groups, and between different community actors. This work reflects our focus on positive system change, involving transformation, to leverage our view of the ‘whole system’ – from the top down, the bottom up, and side to side. For example, our place on the CWB Board and other relationships allows us to link entrepreneurs, cooperators, resource providers, and anchors.
As a catalyst for change in Torbay,
we focus on five transformational activities:
Facilitating radical participation and nurturing local talent
We are working with TCDT and other partners to create spaces and platforms for people with the least economic power and capacity in our community, enabling them to participate in economic action. We will support them to develop their own power and capabilities, oriented toward mutual support, co-production, and cooperation.
Promoting cultures of regenerative entrepreneurship
We are working with diverse partners to develop cultures of regenerative entrepreneurship in local communities and across the region, within and between anchor institutions, and wherever we can. Our aspirations are huge and we’re just getting started.
Enabling convergence and co-operation
between those with the most and the least in our communities. We will be a connector, both between those groups, and between different community actors. This work reflects our focus on positive system change, involving transformation, to leverage our view of the ‘whole system’ – from the top down, the bottom up, and side to side. For example, our place on the CWB Board and other relationships allows us to link entrepreneurs, cooperators, resource providers, and anchors.
Disseminating theories and practices
Through our networks and affiliations, our team enjoys access to transformational theories and practices from all over the UK as well as hot spots of social innovation all over the world. Our region is ideally placed to share theories and practices, because it is itself such a hot spot, attracting researchers and practitioners who study its innovations and impacts. Our networks and affiliations include Co-operatives UK, Schumacher College, REconomy Community of Practice, Wellbeing Economics Alliance and the Doughnut Economics Action Lab.
Mobilising local talent
Economic and social transformation requires social capital and knowhow, dedication and inspiration all of which can be found in the people who live, work and study here. We’re committed to creating opportunities for people all over Torbay to join in its transformation, to unlock the wealth of intelligence and talent that’s already here, and creating the conditions for co-creating our future together.
Photos from our events
