This publication concludes THE NEW INSTITUTE’s annual theme Re-thinking Capitalism, which examined the foundations, dynamics, and future trajectories of contemporary economic systems.

Against the backdrop of mounting ecological pressures, persistent inequalities, and growing tensions within global markets, the theme brought together interdisciplinary perspectives to analyse how capitalism generates value, distributes resources, and shapes social institutions.

The contributions collected in this volume reflect this shared line of inquiry. They address key areas in which these tensions become particularly visible, including the challenges of climate change and degrowth, the impact of market forces on food systems, the increasing marketisation of universities, and the role of fiscal and tax regimes in shaping questions of equity.

Rather than advocating for radical rupture, the volume foregrounds pragmatic, reform-oriented approaches that consider how structural change can emerge within existing frameworks. In doing so, it offers nuanced critiques alongside concrete points of intervention, contributing to a broader effort to rethink economic systems in light of social and planetary limits.