Building an Economy of Care: Antidotes to Winner-Take-All Capitalism
About the session
Over the last several decades, our economic system has become highly effective at generating wealth—while increasingly ineffective at distributing it, governing its impacts, or sustaining public trust. Value is extracted faster than it is replenished, ownership is concentrated, and social and environmental costs are routinely externalized. The result is not only inequality, but a growing crisis of legitimacy in markets and institutions.
This session explores a central question: what would it take for alternative economic models to move from the margins to the mainstream, and begin to reshape how capitalism functions?
Across the world, models such as stakeholder governance, employee ownership, purpose-driven enterprise, and responsible capital are already demonstrating viable alternatives. Yet they remain fragmented, undercapitalized, and constrained by legacy systems and incentives. This conversation will examine how these approaches can connect, reinforce one another, and scale.
What to expect
This will be a facilitated, discussion-based session grounded in real-world examples. Together, participants will explore what structural alternatives already exist, how they interact across capital, governance, and labor, and where coordination or shared infrastructure could unlock greater impact. The session will also consider the roles of investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and movement leaders in accelerating a more inclusive and resilient economic system.
Co-facilitated by leaders from B Lab and Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, the discussion draws on deep experience in building purpose-driven business ecosystems and advancing employee ownership as a pathway to shared prosperity.
Who this is for
This session is for funders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and system leaders interested in rethinking how economic systems can deliver more equitable, sustainable outcomes.
What you will get out of it
A clearer view of existing alternatives to extractive economic models
Insight into how different approaches can align and reinforce one another
Practical perspectives on what it takes to move from isolated innovation to system-level change
Connections with others working to build a more inclusive and resilient economy
Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.