ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Democratic Planning as an Alternative to Capitalism

other · 2026-05-20

The concept of democratic and digital planned economy is experiencing a comeback amid climate crisis, tech monopolies, and political gridlock. Researcher Jan Groos argues that co-determination is key, not just efficiency. The debate challenges the neoliberal logic that has dominated since Adam Smith's 1776 publication of 'The Wealth of Nations'.

Key facts

  • Adam Smith published 'The Wealth of Nations' in 1776.
  • The market was seen as the most efficient form of social coordination.
  • More than 250 years later, the promise of capitalism is wavering.
  • States and corporations worldwide plan with enormous effort.
  • Various crises expose the limits of neoliberal logic.
  • The debate around democratic and digital planned economy is experiencing a comeback.
  • Researcher Jan Groos emphasizes co-determination as crucial.
  • The article is published in der Freitag.

Entities

Institutions

  • der Freitag

Sources