Associative economics refers to the shift from competitive, national economies to the inherent dynamics of a single global economy. Based on the idea that economic life is the responsibility of every human being in collaboration with humanity as a whole, it proceeds from what we think and do, rather than by way of abstract market forces. It is about making this responsibility conscious and finding ways to give it effect in practical life.

Deriving from the work of Rudolf Steiner (see below), associative economics takes full account of the long development of economic thought with its many schools of thought and wide ranging views - from Aristotle to Adam Smith, Karl Marx to J M Keynes and Milton Friedman, as well as the ‘sustainability critique’ and the sophistications of modern finance.

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) is well-known as a ’Renaissance man’. His work included the field of economics, to which he contributed powerful seminal ideas, from which associative economics is derived. The worldwide centre of this work is at the Goetheanum, near Basel, Switzerland, named by Steiner in recognition of the German poet, statesman and scientist, Wolfgang Johannes Goethe.

Associate!

Associate! is a monthly journal containing articles and news that look at events from an associative economic point of view. Contributions come from all walks of economic life, from lay people to professionals, consumers to financiers. Subscribe here.

Courses and events to promote associative economics take place throughout the world. They take various forms including evening lectures, day-time and weekend workshops, and professional seminars.

The courses range from introductory classes in associative economics to the Diploma in Associative Economics (Dipl. AE) offered by the Centre for Associative Economics, The Diploma is student-driven as regards timing, content and outcome. It provides a distance-learning possibility, not so much to learn about associative economics in a taught sense, but to demonstrate to oneself and the world that one has understood what associative economics is about.

Based at the Centre for Associative Economics in England and primarily in English, an on-going Archive Project exists to develop a ‘literature’ - both historical and current - specifically related to associative economics. This includes, articles, papers and books.

Intended to provide formal support for associative economics, a worldwide Quality Guarantee Mark was established on 29 September 1998, use of which is subject to published Rules and Criteria.

(The 'ae' logo is the property of the Associative Economics Association.)

Research into associative economics takes place in many parts of the world, often in link with practical activities. A focus for these endeavours is provided by the Economics Conference, a standing conference meetings of which take place at the Goetheanum, Switzerland, and in other venues around the world.

On-going funding is required to pay for research, especially in the areas of the history of economic thought, comparative analysis, and practical policy. The money is used to catalogue and originate material for publications and to research into six main fields: Accounting Reform, The Role of the Corporation and the Future of Not-for-profits, Prospects for a World Currency, Financing Education, The Economics of Farming, and Youth Financial Literacy.

Those interested in supporting this work can make a regular or one-off donation to the Associative Economics Research Fund. Please note that only sums greater than GBP500 will be eligible for tax deductibility. For further information, contact mail(at)cfae.biz.

The Friends of Associative Economics is a virtual community that exists to encourage the development of the associative economics paradigm. Friends receive regular issues of the AE-Bulletin, which provide up-to-date information on news and events in the world of associative economics. (There is also the online AE-Exchange for those wishing to engage in discussions on this work.)