INDEP

About

The International Network for Democratic Economic Planning (INDEP), is an international network of workers, students, researchers, and activists, who share the common goal of advancing a post-capitalist economic system based on democratic economic planning.

Our Mission

We believe it is necessary to go beyond only criticizing and opposing capitalism to bring the goal of post-capitalism into focus by envisaging the institutions of a new social order and by carefully working towards its realization today. INDEP strives to catalyze that process.

It is not the role of INDEP to endorse a single proposal for a post-capitalist society but to facilitate the rich research, debate, and experimentation on that question. However, as a network, we believe that humanity can only overcome the chronic dysfunction of capitalism, including the urgent ecological and climate crises, by transforming society to a system based on democratic economic planning, which we advocate as the alternative to both command and market economies.

What is Democratic Economic Planning?

Broadly, democratic planning means that important decisions over production, reproduction, consumption, distribution, investment – and, indeed, about our lives in general – are determined consciously and collectively via democratic processes rather than by state authorities or market forces.

We reject Command Economies

We reject command economies and the direction of society by any elite, however well-intentioned. Democratic economic planning emerges in a society which is genuinely popular and free. This is not compatible with a state-dominated social order, characterised by elitist and autocratic governance, a hierarchical division of labour, and the instrumentalization of workers. Rather, democratic economic planning depends upon the self-organisation of communities, and is characterized by democratic governance and by a classless and need-supportive division of labour, and the autonomy of workers. We are committed to empowering individuals and communities to actively participate in shaping their destinies, cooperating autonomously rather than being controlled by state authorities.

We reject Market Economies

We also reject market society. This includes “Market Socialism” in its various forms. We acknowledge that the very definition of “market” is hotly contested and INDEP members will span a variety of opinions. Nonetheless, we do not endorse a society controlled by market forces and the cycle of capital, even with “worker control” of individual enterprises and/or profit-sharing. In a market economy, societal evolution is driven by the competition between enterprises for profit and growth in an environment where the dominant strategy is “grow or die”. This is an emergent process blind to human and ecological needs, wherein the structure of human activity is determined by narrow economic performance, price competition, the commodification of labour power, and a feedback loop of profit-investment-profit.

We believe the future of humanity lies beyond these pitfalls, in a post-capitalist society based on democratic economic planning.

Aims

The aims of the network are to enable members to:

  • Share information
  • Build relationships with others in the community
  • Support each other in advancing the theory and practice of democratic economic planning
  • Collaborate on projects
  • Foster constructive critical dialogue on democratic economic planning

Values

INDEP is committed to enacting, at the least, our values of Inclusivity, Diligence, Respect, Fairness, Autonomy, Democracy, and Collaboration.

Inclusivity

We will encourage all individuals, regardless of background, to engage and participate actively in INDEP’s initiatives and decision-making processes.

Diligence

We will act with competence and integrity, thereby enhancing the reputation and effectiveness of the Network.

Respect

We will act as colleagues and treat each other with respect, regardless of any differences of opinion.

Fairness

We will endeavour to maintain a fair distribution of work and expenses.

Autonomy

We will facilitate members in taking their own initiative, interacting peer-to-peer and organizing their own activities, and we will take initiative.

Democracy

We will ensure that important decisions are proposed, discussed, and decided, through democratic processes, characterised by transparency, participation, deliberation, and minimal hierarchy.

Collaboration

We will act collaboratively and support the health of the Network as a whole, striving for win-win scenarios.

FAQs

What is INDEP, and what is its mission?

INDEP was set up and launched in July 2024 as an international network of workers, students, activists, and researchers who share the common goal of advancing democratic economic planning as a post-capitalist economic system.

What activities will the network do?

The network will achieve its aims through the following activities:

  • Maintain a website.
  • Maintain a mailing list and publish a newsletter about recent developments and upcoming events in the democratic economic planning space.
  • Maintain a membership directory.
  • Organise events.
  • Enable working groups.
  • Set up any other communication tools that members might request.
Who can join the network? How can I join it?

Anyone who supports our aims and values and wants to contribute to the network can join it. See our registration page for more details.

Why is this network needed?

The network exists to enable members of the network to:

  • Share information (news, events, publications, insights, etc)
  • Build relationships with others in the community
  • Support each other in advancing the theory and practice of democratic economic planning
  • Collaborate on projects
  • Foster constructive critical dialogue on democratic economic planning
What is the governance structure?

For the moment, the structure is minimal to start the project as soon as possible. A steering group consisting of the founding members takes care of the essential questions, with a few specialised groups taking care of particular tasks (like tech and organising events). As the network is launched and people join it, the structure will become open and democratic.

What is democratic economic planning?

We see democratic economic planning as an alternative to both command and market economies. We also understand that the very definition of “market” is hotly contested. Broadly, democratic planning means that important decisions over production, reproduction, consumption, distribution, investment – and, indeed, about our lives in general – are made consciously and collectively via democratic processes rather than determined by state authorities or market forces. If you want to know more about democratic economic planning, we recommend this website if you want a more detailed introduction to democratic economic planning.

Do I have to pay to join the network?

No, you don’t.

Can I just receive the newsletter and not attend any events or meetings?

Yes, you can. Most people do that. Sign up to the newsletter here.

Is membership open to individuals only, or can organisations join as well?

Yes, organisations are welcome to join the network. See our registration page for more details.

How can I contribute to INDEP’s activities?

You can tell us about events you are organising or things you are publishing, so we can let others know. You can also come to the events INDEP or others in the Democratic Economic Planning sphere are organizing in person or online.

How does the network collaborate with other organisations or movements sharing similar goals?

Currently, the network wants to partner with all organisations active in the democratic economic planning sphere to share what they are doing with people interested in these questions. Later on, the network will like to organise events with its partners.