WISE Horizons

The WISE Horizons project, funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program no. 101095219, seeks to accelerate systemic change beyond the dominant economic paradigm towards one that prioritises wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability (WISE). This work aims to create a unifying theoretical framework which synthesises the current beyond-growth literatures and initiatives. This synthesis provides WISE metrics, a WISE accounting framework and WISE models for evidence-based policymaking and narratives. The resulting WISE data, available for up to 180 countries will be provided in a special database, which includes historical data (going back to the 19th century) as well as contemporary data relevant to policy and media. These datasets will be used to analyse historical patterns and policy trade-offs and win-win opportunities. In addition, the project will deliver nine partial policy models, which provide a vision of 2050 from the perspective of wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability. The topics covered include living within planetary boundaries, sustainable wellbeing, the circular economy, the welfare state, productivity and the environment, gender inequalities and tax policy etc. Two integrated WISE models will also be created including a model of the Sustainable Development Goals.