About
Our theory of change
The way we value, care for, and organize our common affairs defines the world we co-create and live in. In our current world of extractive systems and fragmented institutions, humanity faces an existential threat. The ways we design, organise, and produce the goods necessary to cover societal needs are premised on exploiting people and ecosystems.
The commons offer a way for communities to self-organize around shared values and commonly upheld rules. It is also a huge sector of the economy (and life!) entailing all the wealth that we inherit or co-create and must pass on to the next generations, including the gifts of nature, civic infrastructure, cultural works and traditions, and our collective knowledge. Unlike systems that divide or exploit, the commons invite us to reconnect: with each other, with the natural world, and with the values that bind us as a society.
Our work strives to re-discover these forms of value and co-create spaces where communities determine what matters for their social and ecological systems.
What we do
We believe in action research as a vehicle for transformation. Through collaboration, experimentation, and advocacy, we work to advance commons-based alternatives that build communities, reshape institutions, develop infrastructures, and foster just and sustainable futures. Our work spans five key areas:
Action research
We conduct participatory action research to generate transdisciplinary knowledge on commons-based alternatives. Through deep engagement with communities, we document, analyze, and share innovative practices that challenge conventional economic and governance models. Our research is not just about understanding the world—it’s about changing it.
Cross sectoral-collaborations
We foster partnerships across academia, civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to drive transformative research and innovation. By bridging disciplines and sectors, we facilitate knowledge exchange and co-create strategies for systemic change. These alliances help shift policies, reshape institutions, and create sustainable solutions for the future.
Capacity building
Strengthening communities is at the heart of our mission. We enable grassroots initiatives in self-organization, resilience-building, and autonomous governance. By providing tools, training, and methodologies, we help communities establish locally-driven systems and infrastructures that are adaptive, sustainable, and equitable.
Project development
We design, test, and implement experimental projects that reimagine community livelihoods and economic structures. By blending socio-economic innovation with technology, we explore practical solutions that enable communities to thrive. Our projects serve as living laboratories, demonstrating viable pathways toward regenerative and cooperative futures.
Advocacy
We work to influence policy and institutional frameworks to create an environment where commons-based initiatives can flourish. By engaging with policymakers, institutions, and global networks, we push for systemic changes that recognize and support collective stewardship of resources, participatory governance, and community-driven innovation.
Our team
Our wider community spans a diverse field of international academics, researchers, activists, and artists that we collaborate on a project basis. We are always keen to form new connections and explore new pathways for meaningful research and social practice. Occasionally we collaborate with people across multiple projects and we create closer bonds. Some of these wonderful people are the following (in alphabetical order): Alicia Trepat Pont; Ben Robra; Christina Priavolou; Ifigeneia Douvitsa; Karin Kruup; Lucas Lemos; Mina Kouvara; Panos Petridis; Sofia Adam; Ülly Enn.
We are also deeply grateful to our allies whose guidance has been critical to our journey so far (in alphabetical order): Carlota Perez; George Papanikolaou; Giorgos Kallis; Maria Kaika; Michel Bauwens; Rainer Kattel; Wolfgang Drechsler; Yochai Benkler.
As required by the EU provisions for gender equality, we have developed our Gender Equality Plan. Beyond the above requirements, it is among our core values to strive for an inclusive research and collaboration environment that creates the conditions for understanding, anticipating, and incorporating diverse perspectives in a meaningful community.