Systems science tells us how our economy must be transformed if we are to meet everyone's needs and live in harmony with nature.
We've translated that science into principles, goals, indicators and guides to help any business play its part in getting us there.
Future-Fit Business Benchmark
A free methodology to help business build a better world.
Where we are today
Our economy is not fit for purpose...
Our ‘profit at all costs’ approach to economic growth has for decades undermined the health of people and planet.
Linear take-make-use-lose production models disrupt natural systems and deplete the resources all life depends upon.
Meanwhile we're failing to meet the basic needs of billions of people around the world, and inequality continues to grow.
Where we go from here
30+ years of systems science tell us what has to change...
Planetary Boundaries
In 2009, Johan Rockström and Will Steffen's Planetary Boundaries research identified the Earth system tipping points we must avoid to ensure Earth can support us. We have already breached or are dangerously close to several of these limits.
Doughnut Economics
In 2012, Kate Raworth added social foundations to the Planetary Boundaries model, grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The resulting “Doughnut” representation identifies the safe and just operating space for humanity.
Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development
In 1989, 50 scientists led by Karl-Henrik Robèrt created the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development or FSSD: a model for planning and decision making in complex systems, which identifies what society must do differently if we are to live within the Doughnut.
Future-Fit Business Benchmark
This is where Future-Fit comes in. Working with companies, investors and academics, we've translated FSSD concepts into a methodology to drive bold ambition and action aligned with the SDGs. It guides any business to increase its own resilience while charting a path to a just and regenerative future.
From science to action
Anatomy of the Benchmark
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PrinciplesThe methodology is grounded in a robust principles-based definition of a Future-Fit Society: one where waste does not exist, people have the opportunity and capacity to lead fulfilling lives, energy is renewable and available to all, and so on.
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Goals23 Break-Even Goals translate these principles into minimum performance thresholds which every business must strive to reach. In addition, 24 Positive Pursuits identify the full range of outcomes a business may deliver to help speed up society’s progress.
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IndicatorsThe Break-Even Goals are accompanied by a set of progress indicators, each expressed as a percentage. These are designed to help any business identify risks, set interim targets, prioritise actions, anticipate trade-offs, and track progress.
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Guides600+ pages of in-depth advice help decision makers across a business embed the Future-Fit methodology into their work. The guides cover a wide range topics, from establishing effective policies and identifying supply chain hotspots to circular product design.
Next steps
Are you ready to get started?
Explore the Benchmark
Explore the Break-Even Goals and Positive Pursuits which lie at the heart of the Benchmark, offering any business a star to steer by.
Watch the Crash Course
Watch the Future-Fit Crash Course to learn everything you need to know about the Future-Fit approach, why it matters, and how to start using the Benchmark.
Explore the SDGs
Explore how the Break-Even Goals and Positive Pursuits can help you respond holistically to the SDGs and avoid accusations of greenwashing.