In the book "Capitalism Reconnected," Jan Peter Balkenende and Govert Buijs describe a redesigned market economy based on European values and SDGs. In this "economy of hope," no one is left behind and the earth with its natural resources and livable climate is protected.

'Capitalism Reconnected' is the title of the recently published book by Jan Peter Balkenende, Minister of State and DSGC chairman, and Govert Buijs, professor of Philosophy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In the book, they have developed a vision of the future of capitalism, based on numerous conversations with students, economists, politicians, entrepreneurs and NGO representatives. "We outline the economy of hope," Buijs said during the book launch on January 31, 2024, at the Malietoren in The Hague. "Hope is a virtue. A virtue that you have to practice. We all have to work for a better future."

Economy of the future

In the economy of the future, every citizen, whether an entrepreneur, activist or city council member, has the power to initiate social or sustainable renewal and form coalitions that accelerate transitions. The writers call these citizens actors. They have an important role because they can restore connections lost in today's capitalism. Balkenende: "Market economy is good, it has brought us prosperity and well-being, but other guidelines for this model are now needed. In 'Capitalism Reconnected', future generations are taken into account (especially focused on climate protection and preservation of materials), economy and state are involved with each other again, the economy is connected to nature, European countries do not let go of each other and Europe takes its responsibility for developments in the world."

Big role for Europe

The authors foresee a major role for Europe. It must propagate the values of the Rhineland tradition worldwide and thus counterbalance the Anglo-Saxon tradition. No more unbridled capitalism, in which self-interest and short-term profit for the shareholder is paramount, resulting in depletion of the earth and social inequality. By contrast, in Capitalism Reconnected, actors see the earth as a common home and ensure that no one is left behind.

Responsible business and consumption

Balkenende and Buijs handed over the book to the Christian Democrat president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in Brussels and to Karien van Gennip, outgoing minister of Social Affairs and Kim Putters, president of the SER, in The Hague. In her response to the book, Putters immediately picked up the role of actor by explaining how the SER is committed to restoring connections in the economy. For example, the policy recommendations of the SER focus on broad prosperity in the future, they put the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN central and argue for a labor market that is accessible to all with more security for workers. Putters: "The SER is actively committed to mobilizing the dialogue between all actors. The Netherlands must be the guiding country for a new economy of responsible business and consumption, based on a social contract."

 

Capitalism Reconnected

Available among others at www.bol.com

Authors: Jan Peter Balkenende and Govert Buijs

 

English

Paperback 9789048562633

December 1, 2023

Amsterdam University Press

400 pages