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What does broad prosperity mean in a time of radical social transitions? How can we shape a society in which broad prosperity really takes centre stage? These questions were at the heart of the Institutions for Open Societies (IOS) conference. In a time of political, social and ecological transitions, it became clear that change starts with the systems that shape our daily lives.

Broad prosperity is prosperity in which everyone shares. Not only here and now, but also later and elsewhere.

Kim Putters, chairman of the Dutch Social and Economic Council (SER), gave an inspiring keynote in which he argued for an approach that brings together economic, ecological and social dimensions so that broad prosperity applies not only to people now and here, but also to people in the future and elsewhere. Putters stressed that broad prosperity requires difficult choices. 

Breaking through policy silos and a fair distribution of benefits and burdens in society does not happen by itself. ‘If we really want to put broad welfare at the centre, we must be prepared to question existing systems and interests,’ he argued. Structures like education, healthcare, the economy and government are not neutral: they guide who can participate, who cannot, and under what conditions. As SER chair, Putters illustrated how steering for broad prosperity influences the work of the SER in areas from artificial intelligence to healthcare reform. Moreover, he stressed the importance of institutional adjustments that ensure the representation of various stakeholders - including young people and future generations - in the transition to a broad properity economy. Putters called for a ‘broad welfare contract’ between citizens, businesses, government and knowledge institutions to create a just and sustainable future, despite increasing polarisation and reduced trust in institutions. Kim Putters' full speech can be read back on the  website (only in Dutch).

Role of future generation

Also present were two pupils from the Revius Lyceum, Lieve Versteegh and Evelien Leyh, because of their internship at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ. They had learned the day before from our Law scientists that organisations like the SER are obliged to take young people's opinions on an issue seriously in the decision, especially when the decisions influences their future. However, it does depend on age and also ‘maturity’ how seriously the voice ‘counts’. They therefore asked Kim after his speech about the how when he talks about ‘not wanting to pass on the problems to the next generations’; how is he going to include the opinions and ideas of future generations? And, how do you plan to tackle this internationally, so that children from other countries also have the chance to think and express their opinions? Good questions that Kim took seriously and will take back to the SER. He indicated that while there are certainly initiatives for young people to be heard at both the SER and in society, this is not yet as prevalent for the age of high school students. A concern that we as a society can take seriously. 

Four transitions, four sessions

The parallel sessions addressed four pressing themes: sustainability, democracy, digitalisation and demographics. Marko Hekkert, president of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL), showed in the session on sustainability how broad prosperity thinking is already permeating policy practices such as the National Insulation Programme. Yet he warned that further implementation cannot be taken for granted. ‘In the new political reality, we need to look for a language and way of working that recognises the value of broad prosperitye and makes it practicable.’

Digitalisation was also scrutinised, with a special focus on the role of Big Tech and the European Digital Services Act (DSA). Although the enforcement of the DSA raises questions, the European commitment to more regulation is encouraging, especially if it helps protect and strengthen public values in the digital domain.

The session on democracy critically reflected on the functioning of our political system. Panellists questioned whether the current democracy is sufficiently future-proof. The conclusion: power and influence are inevitable, but a democratic foundation remains essential to achieve a widely supported broad prosperity contract.

Finally, the session on demography, healthcare and the labour market emphasised that broad prosperity does not automatically equate to prosperity for all. In periods of crisis - from pandemics to silent system failures like the new pension system - representation is crucial: ‘We need to make sure the right people are at the table.’

The conference underlined that broad prosperity is not a fixed goal, but a social learning process - in which systems not only move along, but also provide direction. But, Kim Putters warned, ‘We do not have all the time in the world. Climate change, digitalisation and geopolitical developments do continue, it is all about how we deal with them. We have a say in that.’