It seems as if, in our society, for example when working on sustainability, we only have two options: either the government or the market must do it. But there is a third way: the community itself. Under the heading of “the commons”, Elinor Ostrom has already convincingly demonstrated that the community is perfectly capable of managing certain matters: from fish stocks and communal grazing areas in the past to car parks, bridges and even shared computer systems in the present day. Profit motives and government bureaucracy – it turns out we don't need them at all.
Communities already play a significant role in many areas of society. Consider energy cooperatives, healthcare cooperatives, food collectives, residents' groups, or cooperative companies. Active citizens often contribute not only their voluntary efforts, but also fresh ideas and innovation.
Prof. De Moor addresses the question of what a “commons” society with a major role for communities might look like. Is this a way of giving substance to “degrowth” or “post-growth” as a serious alternative to consumer capitalism and the neoliberalisation of our time?
Alderman van Elferen discusses the plan to set up a local energy movement for and by residents, in collaboration with existing bottom-up initiatives (in Nijmegen and the surrounding area). What does he expect from such a movement? How does he see it coming about, and how does he view cooperation with the municipality?
The meeting is organised by the COPPER project (Creating, Optimising and Planning Positive EneRgy districts: connecting citizens' energy at different geographical levels) of Radboud University (project leader Mark Wiering) and Steunpunt Energietransitie Nijmegen, as part of the energy festival and climate week 2025. The meeting is free of charge, but please register.