Let’s Talk: Unveiling the Invisible Economy

We’re thrilled to share that Policy Lab hosted the enlightening international degrowth seminar, “Let’s Talk: Unveiling the Invisible Economy,” on September 8, 2023, at Španski borci in Ljubljana. This remarkable event was designed to cast a spotlight on often-neglected, marginalized, and undervalued aspects of the economy, offering a platform for essential discussions.

Our Distinguished International Guest Speakers:
• Brototi Roy, Research & Degrowth International, CEU in Vienna & ICTA-UAB in Barcelona.
• Mladen Domazet, Institute for Philosophy & Institute for Political Ecology in Zagreb.
• Corinna Dengler, Department of Socioeconomics, Vienna University of Economics and Business.
• Lilian Pungas, Friedrich Schiller University in Jena & the Network Wachstumswende.

Diving into the Seminar’s Program

1. Panel: Degrowth, the New Horizons of Hope
This panel delved into the transformative potential that times of shock, such as natural disasters and emergencies, can offer. The summer of 2023 witnessed unprecedented climate impacts, notably in the Global North, making it a pivotal moment in our socio-economic landscape. While the threat of climate change looms large, responses to these challenges vary from collective denial to transformative action. Our discussions explored how political responses can tip the scales on the policy axis, influencing decisions around denial, mitigation, and adaptation.

2. Panel: Finding the True Value of Care-Work
The value of care work, often undervalued and undercompensated, was at the heart of this panel. Caregivers, including nurses, teachers, cooks, and cleaners, have faced decades of austerity that have depreciated their contributions. Care work, typically invisible and among the lowest-paid professions, is often shouldered by precarious classes, particularly women, immigrants, and racialized groups. This panel explored strategies for recognizing care work fairly in the economy and enabling the provision of quality care for all. It also raised essential questions about whether high-quality services can be provided without exploitation.

3. Panel: Food Sovereignty and #Food Systems of the Future
Agriculture’s role in GDP is modest, yet the food system has a significant impact and is responsible for one-third of the EU’s total climate emissions. This panel examined why agriculture is faltering in both social and ecological terms. It also explored pathways toward a food system transformation aligned with social and environmental sustainability targets and discussed the economic reforms needed to pave the way.

Our program was thoughtfully structured, covering three vital topics, along with a recap panel to distill key takeaways. The seminar provided an invaluable space for open and informed dialogues on degrowth, policy alternatives, and societal transformation.

Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and discussions stemming from this illuminating seminar. It’s through these dialogues that we continue to advance our mission of reshaping economic policy for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.