Sufficiency solutions for a resilient, green, and just Finland (SISU)
Contemporary societies are dependent on economic growth. In the future, however, this growth is likely to be very limited. Furthermore, decoupling economic growth from increasing environmental harm has not proven to be easy so far. The SISU research project identifies widely acceptable sufficiency solutions that will ensure that green transition and basic welfare state promises can be realized even in conditions where the economy does not grow or where growth is minimal.
This transformation does not mean going without and not progressing. Sustainability guided by sufficiency principles can lead to the renewal of businesses and the economy, and, at the same time, improve various other aspects affecting our wellbeing. By finding solutions that reach vulnerable people, it can also result in a better quality of life – for everyone.
The multidisciplinary research team of the SISU project models the macroeconomic impacts of new solutions to help people recognize different future scenarios, and the effects and experiences related to them. SISU provides spaces where people can create heritage futures – meanings, practices, and skills – based on sufficiency, which will leave future generations a sustainable world where people can thrive.
Current proposals for a better future, especially those from political leaders, rely solely on economic growth. This seems risky. Current forms of economic and human activity produce not only progress but also increasing challenges. So-called ‘green growth’, or decoupling economic growth from the increasing use of natural resources, has also proven challenging.
Therefore, it makes sense to seek alternatives. These alternatives enable societies to be flexible and resilient, especially when they know how to thrive independently of economic growth.
In a growth-oriented society, increasing wellbeing has focused on developing material conditions. The next version of our welfare model will most likely be built on sufficiency. Sufficiency solutions do not mean, however, that wellbeing would suffer.
In a context where planetary boundaries are exceeded, a sufficiency approach assumes at least two things: common resources most likely will not grow (at least not by the same extent as before) and that those who can afford it will have to give more. Therefore, the project pays special attention to factors related to fairness.
The central promise of the welfare state is to take care of those in a vulnerable position in society. Ensuring their opportunities for a good life is of utmost importance in societal change.
Another essential factor defining successful societal change is citizens’ trust in societal institutions. If trust deteriorates for any reason, it becomes difficult to manage societal change smoothly.
SISU is part of the 2023-2029 JUST TRANSITION program funded by the Strategic Research Council of Finland.
The SISU consortium consists of research teams from the University of Eastern Finland, Demos Helsinki, LUT University, University of Turku and XAMK (South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences). The consortium is led by professor Arto O. Salonen from the University of Eastern Finland.
Photos: Kristiina Korjonen-Kuusipuro