Through our research and policy development, we are generating tangible systems change. Policymakers create the rules, plans, and actions that guide decisions about our economy, housing, healthcare, environment, and all aspects of how we live. Our research backs-up our policy suggestions so that we are making informed contributions.
Research
We conduct evidence-based studies on re-localization strategies that transform our economy to be more equitable, fair, and community-led. Our research projects often lead to project implementation, that is to say, we put our studies into action through partnerships, pilot projects, and working with policymakers. Most of our research focuses on the level of anchor institutions such as hospitals, universities, municipalities, and public agencies, which have an enormous potential to shift us towards an economy that serves local people.
Examples of studies include:
– Economic leakage research, including distributional impacts
– Anchor Institution import replacement
– Sector specific transformation strategies
Policy Development
Policy: We aim to develop the intellectual and policy infrastructure for community wealth building in Atlantic Canada. We look at current structural barriers to economic democracy, and develop evidence based and community-informed policy solutions to allow our local rural communities to thrive.
At all levels of government there is a policy landscape, we see this as an opportunity to generate community-based development and action.
By backing our policy recommendations up with research we can confidently say “this is what we are hearing from local communities” and allow us to generate alternatives which more accurately reflect the people impacted by them.
Much of our policy development comes from asking the question “How does this economic decision or approach impact local people and local communities?” Through one-on-one interviews, focus groups, surveys, we collect qualitative data to help determine what is working, identify shortcomings, and suggest alternatives.
Learn about our current project: Atlantic Food Systems Listening Project