For an Economy That Serves Everyone

Trade unions are key actors in shaping a socially just and ecologically sustainable transformation. We support the struggle for social justice and build bridges between good work and environmental protection.

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Cooperation, independence from growth, sufficiency, and democratic responsibility. For NELA, this is the economy of tomorrow. We show companies how they can actively shape this transformation despite competitive pressure, skilled labor shortages, and supply bottlenecks.

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Municipalities are the place where the socio-ecological transformation takes place. NELA works with municipalities to implement sustainability in concrete terms. In doing so, we bring the population along and address goal conflicts.

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Our Mission

NELA. Next Economy Lab is transforming the economy in a socially just and ecological way together with trade unions, municipalities, and businesses. We support people on the ground in the moments when change takes place and conflicts become opportunities for transformation.

Current Events and Publications

Article

How to Survive in a Growth-Oriented Economy

Findings of a Semi-Systematic Literature Review on the Role of Growth for Sufficiency-Oriented Businesses
04.08.2025
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Report

Just Transition in the European Car Industry

01.02.2022
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Article for „Berliner Gazette“

Tools for Transition: Promises of Participation Versus Municipal Reality

12.09.2025
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WSI Blog series

Climate Transition: Socially Just and Fair

Conflicts – Analyses – Solutions
08.10.2025
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Our Partners

Alanus Hochschule für Kunst und Gesellschaft

CELSI

IDOS

MYZELIUM

CSX Netzwerk e.V.

Rhein-Kreis Neuss

Centre of Economics and Regional Studies

ZOE