Economy in transition: economy for the common good inspires Salzwedel!

Economy in transition: economy for the common good inspires Salzwedel!

A discussion event with over 60 participants took place in Salzwedel and focused on the economy for the common good. This event was supported by a broad partner network, which included the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, the Hanseatic City of Salzwedel, the IHK Lüneburg-Wolfsburg, the organic shop “Grünland”, the Sparkasse Altmark West and Voelkel GmbH. The aim of the event was to provide an insight into the alternative economic model of the common good economy, which was developed by Christian Felber.

Before the main event began, around 30 participants had the opportunity to visit the “Grünland” organic store. Owner Felix Neumann provided information about ecological sustainability, fair supply chains and social responsibility. The evening event took place in the Altmark IHK office, where Christian Felber, the initiator of the common good economy, gave a keynote speech. He emphasized the social added value and the strengthening of resilience and competitiveness through action aimed at the common good.

Opportunities and challenges discussed

The subsequent discussion was moderated by Simone Britsch. In the discussion, in which Christian Felber, Felix Neumann, Ole Müggenburg from Voelkel GmbH and David Feldbrügge from Lehmladen GmbH & Co. KG took part, the economic opportunities and challenges of the common good economy were highlighted. The discussion highlighted practical solutions to current challenges that can be made possible through action aimed at the common good.

A snack after the discussion offered the participants the opportunity for personal exchange. The response to the event was consistently positive and there was growing interest in alternative economic models, particularly in rural regions. District Administrator Dagmar Schulz emphasized the importance of the common good economy for the small-scale economic region and pointed out that this concept was anchored in the district's future development concept.

Concept and principles of the common good economy

The term “common good” comes from ancient Greece and describes the common interests of a society. The common good is enshrined in the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany (Article 14), and the Federal Constitutional Court considers it to be the goal of state action. The common good economy aims to align economic activity with the common good and to create incentives for ethical action. Companies that operate in this model receive a public good balance sheet that evaluates them according to criteria such as human dignity, ecological responsibility and social justice.

The movement has spread worldwide since 2010. In Germany there are currently eight certified community communities that promote the common good in different ways, for example through community buses or investments in green spaces. According to critics, the common good criteria would have to be applied to the entire economic system, which would result in profound changes. In addition, organizations such as the Austrian Economic Chamber warn against restrictions on property rights and entrepreneurial freedoms.

In summary, the event in Salzwedel shows that interest in the common good economy is growing, especially in smaller and rural communities. Support from local partners and an engaged citizenry could be instrumental in ensuring that this alternative economic model becomes more widespread. For more information on the economy for the common good, you can read the reports from Lüchow-Dannenberg and Deutschlandfunk be visited.