Stakeholder capitalism has emerged as a response to the limitations of shareholder primacy, yet its ability to address systemic global challenges remains uncertain. Can Stakeholder Capitalism Fix the World? examines insights from the Beyond Stakeholder Capitalism Summit, convened by The Digital Economist, where leaders across industry, academia, and policy explored how economic systems must evolve in the post-pandemic digital era. Positioned against the backdrop of the latest IPCC findings—described as a “code red for humanity”—the report frames stakeholder capitalism as a transitional model that, while necessary, is insufficient to meet the scale and urgency of climate, social, and economic challenges.
The report analyzes the structural limitations of current economic paradigms, emphasizing the need to move beyond stakeholder frameworks toward models centered on shared value and the common good. It highlights how national boundaries, fragmented governance, and competing interests constrain effective action, while underscoring the importance of decentralization, digital infrastructure, and inclusive participation. Key themes include the democratization of access to energy through microgrids, the role of blockchain and tokenization in enabling decentralized finance and data ownership, and the necessity of recognizing data as a valuable economic asset. The discussions also reflect broader shifts in the future of work, with hybrid models and increased organizational autonomy emerging as defining characteristics of the post-pandemic economy.
The report outlines a forward-looking agenda centered on systemic transformation, calling for cross-border collaboration, decentralized systems, and governance models that align economic activity with environmental sustainability and social equity. It emphasizes five core priorities: accelerating climate action, redefining the common good beyond national interests, leveraging decentralization for equitable resource distribution, establishing data ownership frameworks, and adapting to new models of work. Ultimately, the report positions the transition beyond stakeholder capitalism as essential to building an economy that is inclusive, resilient, and capable of delivering long-term value for society and the planet.
