Signposting the way to a regenerative economy

The extended period of growth in social prosperity we have seen in almost every part of the world has reached a tipping point. To date, this growth has been based on a linear economy that follows the take-make-dispose principle.

It is a concept that has now gone as far as it can, however — something that is clear on various global levels spanning the environment, economics, society and politics. 

The fluidics experts at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems see a solution in a vision that takes a systemic view of interrelationships and makes a regenerative economy its guiding principle. This requires action to be taken at various levels: the environment, the economy, society and politics.

In practical terms, Bürkert is tackling these challenges by embodying values that support its vision: long-term thinking, networking instead of competition, and concrete steps that consistently move towards a regenerative economy.

Initial measures involve using profits to promote social prosperity and gradually shifting away from a type of thinking focused on sustainability to a regenerative economy.

This approach also means providing employees with psychological security, supporting customers in implementing concepts to do with a regenerative economy, and strengthening local partnerships and agile fractal systems.

CEO Georg Stawowy is realistic about the major challenges this task presents, but also recognises the opportunity his company has to become a beacon for other players through the action it is taking.

“We are on a long road, and we need to be realistic when we assess the contributions we are making as we travel along that road. We also need a clear vision to guide us on our journey of small steps. In doing so, and I say this with a sense of modesty, we don’t just want to make our own contribution — we also want to signpost the way for others,” Stawowy said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Khanchit Khirisutchalual