“My fear is that we shall see an election, and maybe a change of government – but we shall not see a change of direction. We shall be starved of a clear vision, a commitment to change, the courage to face up to what must be done”.
Paddy Ashdown, 1996
It is this desire for necessary change that inspires us to challenge the assumptions of the current policy and decision-making playbook to get better outcomes for all.
The Paddy Ashdown Policy Research Forum is dedicated to fostering a better understanding of how East-West trading, and development cultures can collaborate to build a stronger foundation for mutual growth. By leveraging internationalisation and holistic economics, the Forum aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment that meets the needs of all participants. Working with governments, non-government organisations and not-for-profit companies
The System is Dysfunctional
We often hear the phrase “the system is broken.” However, these systems operate exactly as they were designed to. If they primarily benefit a minority or result in chaotic outcomes, they are functioning as intended. Human behaviour impacts natural systems destructively. Biological systems, such as human organs, work together to ensure proper body function. In contrast, human-designed systems are often influenced by negative behaviours like fear and greed, leading to inequality and poor performance. Structure and function are interdependent.
Structural Issues
The complexity of current public and private organisational structures fosters an adherence to conventional wisdom, even when it leads to disasters. Overconfidence and the dominance of the loudest voices prevail. This results in a disproportionate distribution of risk, where decision-makers are not the ones who suffer the consequences, leading to waste, risk, and missed opportunities.
Communicating Change
Communicating complex systemic solutions can be challenging compared to single-focus messages. However, when framed within the context of everyday life, complex issues can be simplified. For instance, research shows that poverty and inequality drive conflict and migration, which are further exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
An Invitation for Change
We invite everyone to challenge the current decision-making paradigms. We need to reject the reluctance to engage in inclusive, systemic approaches that protect our natural world and prevent economic fragmentation, which undervalues many individuals and communities. This does not mean we disregard the expertise of those with deep policy and organisational leadership experience. Instead, we seek to break free from past constraints in pursuit of something better.
Rethinking Approaches
We aim to challenge traditional thinking where decisions favour isolated mechanisms. We advocate for relational approaches that improve performance for businesses, society, and the natural world by addressing multiple issues simultaneously. This shift requires moving from compartmentalised to holistic approaches with broader boundaries to capture opportunities for all. The goal is to move from being “not as bad” to “much better.”
Sphere Economy
The obvious next step from the circular economic model is the sphere economy. This involves thinking in three dimensions instead of the flat, two-dimensional framework upon which traditional decision-making is based. It means considering the relationships between decisions, actions, and outcomes. The result is decisive, inclusive, just, equitable, and performance-driven outcomes, where the focus is on achieving the desired results, not just following processes.
The Opportunity
We have the chance to redefine normalcy and reshape economies by addressing the complex relationships between the human world and the natural world. This involves overcoming divisions and finding strength in unity.
This means that every project must be designed to understand the “real need.” This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of needs from environmental, social, technical, and economic perspectives, and how this local understanding can be integrated into national and international sustainable development plans.
Ultimately, this promotes sustainable viability through the unified systems thinking approach of the Sphere Economy, building a stronger understanding of how to enhance east-west relations.