The doughnut economy is an economic model developed by British economist Kate Raworth. It measures prosperity against two boundaries: a social foundation below which people face deprivation, and an ecological ceiling above which Earth systems are overburdened. The safe and just space between these two rings forms the doughnut. An economy should operate in that space: meeting human needs within the carrying capacity of the planet. The model shifts the focus from endless growth to an economy that can thrive within limits.
What are the social foundation and the ecological ceiling?
- Social foundation — the minimum basis for a dignified life, including food, water, health, education, income and equality. Below this ring, social shortfalls occur.
- Ecological ceiling — the planetary boundaries, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land use and nitrogen. Above this ring, Earth systems become overburdened.
How does the doughnut economy differ from a growth-focused economy?
Classical economic models mainly focus on growth of gross domestic product. The doughnut economy asks a different question: does the economy meet human needs within the limits of the planet? Growth is not a goal in itself, but a means that is only desirable when it remains inside the doughnut. This connects with regenerative work: not only doing less harm, but actively contributing to recovery.
How can a global model be used by cities and organisations?
The doughnut started as a global image, but is increasingly translated to practical scales. Amsterdam adopted the model in 2020 as a policy compass, followed by other cities and regions. Organisations also use the doughnut to test strategy: contribution to the social foundation is considered alongside pressure on the ecological ceiling.
How does the doughnut relate to regenerative design?
The model provides direction, but practical value comes from translation into concrete choices. Regenerative design turns the principles into products, concepts and programmes that add recovery instead of only reducing harm. In that form, the doughnut becomes a design challenge.
How does New Economy translate the doughnut economy?
New Economy uses the doughnut as a strategic framework and translates it into evidence-based strategy for companies, regions and municipalities. By combining the model with impact data, the current position relative to the social foundation and ecological ceiling becomes visible, along with steps that add the most value. See Services and Solutions.
Frequently asked questions about the doughnut economy
The model was developed by British economist Kate Raworth and became widely known through the book Doughnut Economics, published in 2017.
The two rings are the social foundation and the ecological ceiling. The safe and just space lies between them.
Not necessarily. Growth is not treated as a goal in itself, but as a means that is only desirable when it stays within social and ecological boundaries.
Sustainability often focuses on reducing harm. The doughnut combines ecological limits with a social foundation and therefore connects with regenerative thinking.
Yes. Cities, regions and organisations use the model to test policy and strategy against both the social foundation and the ecological ceiling.
For translation of the doughnut economy into strategy or design choices, see Regenerative design or Services, or use the contact page.