"New Local Economies": the Devon Convergence: report from the forum

A couple of months ago, there was a big regional event in Exeter, looking at local economies and how dynamic they could be:
Futures Forum: "New Local Economies": more on all day event in Exeter: Saturday 7th February

Here is the report:

The Devon Convergence for New Local Economies

There was an unusual dynamism and excitement about this day, bringing together people working for new and better local economies in Devon. The working group of Transitioners, social enterprise and community activists that brought it together wanted participants to meet each other, have fun, and take away a deep understanding that the economy is about human wellbeing, not abstruse and inhuman theories; and to feel inspired and empowered to do something about it.

Unlike many events, the Convergence was facilitated to leave people energized rather than exhausted. There was a keynote talk – Tony Greenham (New Economics Foundation) asked, what do we want our economy to do? His answer set themes for the day that were explored in later in creative conversations and working groups that emerged from the participants:

• Look after the environment, the gift;
• foster well-being;
• support enterprise and creativity;
• promote solidarity and
• the ‘commons’ as an organizing principle for key resources, international (eg climate) and local (eg renewable generation potential)

There was much discussion of the need for a local financial institution to support local businesses. If Hampshire succeeds in starting its own bank, why not Devon? North Dakota is the only US state with its own bank, started in the ‘30’s to reduce outside control of their economy – and the lowest unemployment. We can also develop our credit unions, use crowd funding, and organize a Local Entrepreneur Forum, like a green Dragon’s Den where local businesses and projects can pitch for support and all kinds of help can be offered. 

Local Entrepreneur Forum 2014 - YouTube 

Local currencies, energy co-ops, social enterprises, working with councils and schools, seeking transparency about public land, growing things for insects and childrens’ education as well as food – all got a mention. If you haven’t seen the 5’ video of the Convergence do take a quick look, it’s great:

Devon Convergence: Forum for New Local Economies - YouTube


The Devon Convergence for New Local Economies | Transition Exeter
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