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Science & Research: June 2025
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Dear ECOnGOOD Science & Research Community,
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In this new issue, we have gathered a selection of relevant project updates, exciting events and news from our global community. Don’t forget to mark your calendars! We hope you enjoy the read.
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If there's anything you'd like to share in upcoming editions of this newsletter, please get in touch at science@econgood.org. Thank you.
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ECGIC26 starting steps
Hosting institutions selected for the IV ECG International Conference (2026)
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The internatinal ECOnGOOD Science & Research Hub is pleased to announce the results of the selection process for the hosting institutions of the IV Economy for the Common Good International Conference (ECG IC), scheduled for 2026.
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Following a thorough evaluation, the selection committee has chosen a consortium led by the Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden (OTH AW) in Amberg, Germany, in partnership with the University of West Bohemia in the Czech Republic and the Bavarian Center for Sustainability in Higher Education (BayZeN) in Germany.
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The committee assessed the consortium’s proposal as the strongest, not only for fully meeting all required criteria but also for offering additional strengths, including its international dimension and the strong public, academic, and nonprofit sector engagement of its members. The organization of the conference will be coordinated by a Steering Committee composed of:
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Christiane Hellbach (OTH AW)
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Dita Hommerová (University of West Bohemia)
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Lara Luetke-Spatz (BayZeN)
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Christian Felber (ECOnGOOD)
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José-Carlos Ramos (ECOnGOOD)
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Some of the members of the ECGIC26 Committee
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A first kick-off meeting was held in Amberg last week, during which an intense and productive working session laid the foundations for the conference planning (see picture with some of the participants).
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The official conference website will be launched by early June, providing detailed information about the event, which will take place in spring 2026. We look forward to welcoming the ECG community to this important milestone!
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Positive Impact Plan
A Vision for a More Sustainable and Inclusive Future – Erasmus+ Proposal Submitted
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The Positive Impact Plan (PIP) consortium has officially submitted a groundbreaking proposal to the Erasmus+ programme: bringing together 13 partners across 7 countries, the PIP initiative aims to revolutionise education and business practices by embedding sustainability and social impact at the core of learning and entrepreneurship.
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If approved, the PIP will launch a series of training courses, workshops, and practical applications across universities, businesses, and regional development agencies, fostering a new generation of impact-oriented leaders.
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Through the integration of real-world challenges and sustainability frameworks, the project aims to create innovative tools and training programmes. José Carlos Ramos, project coordinator, explains: "The Positive Impact Plan is more than a project – it's a shared commitment to transform how we teach and learn about business, sustainability, and social innovation. We are excited to work with our partners to build a more inclusive and regenerative Europe."
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Portuguese organisations pioneer ECG research
Contributions of the Economy for the Common Good to the Sustainability of Portuguese Family Businesses
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A groundbreaking collaboration between researchers from the Universities of Maia, Coimbra and Évora in Portugal, aims to explore how the Economy for the Common Good (ECG) principles can be integrated into concrete tools and practices to support the sustainable practices in local family organisations. The project's cornerstone is the development of the Common Good Scale, a diagnostic tool measuring organisational alignment with ECG values.
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The research will focus on three family organisations, chosen for their long-term vision and strong community connections. These businesses will serve as test cases for innovative practices based on the Common Good Matrix, adapted specifically for the Portuguese context.
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Through stakeholder collaboration and participatory interventions, the project will demonstrate how ECG values can transform daily operations. The initiative includes comprehensive knowledge sharing through academic publications and practical resources, positioning Portuguese family organisations as leaders in sustainable business practices whilst contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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Impact Blueprint: Academic Entrepreneurship at UPV
UPV hosts Impact Blueprint: new framework for impact-driven entrepreneurial projects
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The Universitat Politècnica de València hosted a training session on the Impact Blueprint: the new methodological and pedagogical framework promoted by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) to design business ideas, Bachelor’s and Master’s final projects with a positive impact. The session, held within the framework of the Conference on Social and Environmental Impact Analysis and Assessment in Business, was led by UOC professor and ECOnGOOD Science & Research Hub coordinator José Carlos Ramos.
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Ramos presented both the conceptual foundations and practical tools and highlighted the need to move beyond a traditional business paradigm focused solely on shareholder profit, towards a holistic vision that considers multiple stakeholders, combining profitability with social and environmental impact.
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During the session, participants explored tools and frameworks for developing impact-driven business initiatives that address modern challenges. The Common Good Matrix was presented alongside strategies for implementation at both curricular and institutional levels. As a key outcome of the Positive Impact Plan project, the Impact Blueprint is fostering an open community aimed at preparing a new generation of socially conscious professionals across universities and institutions.
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ECOnGOOD Summit
The II ECOnGOOD Summit will happen in November 2025
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After a successful launch in 2022, the summit is returning on November 29-30, 2025. The Stober estate will once again become the hub for all those who want to play an active role in shaping the economy of tomorrow. ‘Money, Power and the Economy for the Common Good’ is the compass for this year's conversations.
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The summit brings together ECOnGOOD members, academia, business and civil society actors for exchange, inspiration and joint impact. It is designed to be a multilingual experience and offers simultaneous translation into English for key programme items.
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Registration is open: A 50% discount is available for people under 28, as well as 20 free-registration tickets. Check out the full programme and sign up today!
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AEMS 2025
A holistic approach to sustainability and the dynamic connections between economy, society, and the environment
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Once again, Vienna will host students and professionals from all over the world that gather to rethink and learn about our economic systems. The Economy for the Common Good (ECG) is introduced as one of the alternative approaches to the current growth-driven system.
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ABOUT ECOnGOOD
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The ECOnGOOD organisation puts into action the Economy for the Common Good model. This is only possible because of assistance through membership fees, donations and the amazing team of volunteers spread across the globe. You too can get involved and help:
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Learn more about our ECOnGOOD Associations
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