FRIBIS Members Report: BIEN Congress 2024 in Bath

This year’s BIEN Congress took place at the University of Bath (UK) from August 29 to 31. Titled “Reclaiming radical roots: Basic income and Socio-Ecological Transformation,” the event explored the potential of basic income to create an economically just, politically inclusive and ecologically sustainable world. Among the participants from academia, civil society and politics, were members of FRIBIS and its teams.

In the following reports FRIBIS members share their impressions of the congress. They reveal the range of topics discussed, from linking basic income to opportunities for exiting precarious situations, through gender perspectives in basic income research and the role of basic income in socio-ecological transformation, to innovative methodological approaches, such as narrative economics. The significance of local basic income initiatives was also addressed. Below you can find out what FRIBIS members thought about the congress, what new insights they gained and the role that personal exchange and networking within the international research community played for them.

Clem Davies und Carlota De Novales, FRIBIS-Team UBI & Gender: “Voice and Representation in Basic Income Research”

Carlota De Novales presented a paper titled “Voice and Representation in Basic Income Research,” co-authored with Clem Davies, which examined gender disparities in contributions to the field of basic income studies, with a focus on the journal Basic Income Studies. The research analysed both the gender composition of authors and the extent to which gender issues are addressed within the published literature. The study revealed that women comprised only about 25% of the contributing authors and that fewer than 10% of the published papers meaningfully engaged with gender-related topics. Additionally, it was observed that women were predominantly responsible for the research addressing gender issues. The ensuing discussion was constructive, with participants encouraging further exploration and publication opportunities on this subject.

Jessica Schulz, FRIBIS-Team UBI & Gender: “Equalizing Educational Opportunities: Basic Income, Scarcity Mindset and Students’ Academic Paths”

At this year’s BIEN Congress in Bath, I had the opportunity to contribute in a number of ways. In my presentation “Equalizing Educational Opportunities: Basic Income, Scarcity Mindset and Students’ Academic Paths,” I presented the qualitative analysis of my questionnaire study on Universal Basic Income and the scarcity mind set. Philippe van Parijs chaired the panel “Transformative Effects of Basic Income” in the “Social Policy” stream. Presenting to an international audience was a valuable exercise in communicating my research and responding to the thought-provoking questions from both audience and moderator. The subsequent discussion provided numerous insights for the paper I will be writing this autumn.

As the coordinator of the FRIBIS Gender Team, I was also involved in organizing and moderating a round table, titled “Exploring Gender Balance and Perspectives in Basic Income Research.” Speakers included Almaz Zelleke (Professor at NYU Shanghai and Gender Team member), Fabio Waltenberg (Professor at Universidade Federal Fluminense in Niterói and editor of Basic Income Studies) and Carlota De Novales Coronel (Erasmus student and Gender Team member). The active participation of the audience in the discussion about gender distribution in basic income research was particularly gratifying, with the multitude of questions and contributions demonstrated the considerable interest in the topic.

The congress was a very enriching experience for me as I was able to act both as presenter and moderator. These two formats require different approaches in conversation management and presence and I am grateful for the opportunity to have practiced both. The positive feedback I received was very motivating. I particularly appreciate the sense of networking that has developed through my work at FRIBIS and especially in the FRIBIS Gender Team. So I already knew many of the congress participants from previous events. I also had the opportunity to join the newly founded BIEN PhD Network, which met for the first time at the congress. Overall, it was a positive educational experience for me, both professionally and personally.

Presentation: “Equalizing Educational Opportunities: Basic Income, Scarcity Mindset and Students’ Academic Paths”

Another highlight: BIEN featured a slide from my presentation on the congress’s social media channel

Round table: “Exploring Gender Balance and Perspectives in Basic Income Research”. From left: Jessica Schulz, Carlota De Novales Coronel, Almaz Zelleke, Fabio Waltenberg

Conference dinner, from left: Carlota De Novales Coronel, Almaz Zelleke, Jessica Schulz, Fabienne Hansen

Gudrun Kaufmann, FRIBIS-Team care: “Narratives of Change – Basic Income through the Lens of Narrative Scenario Analyses & Conviction Narrative Theory”

When I learned that the BIEN Congress 2024 would take place in England, I immediately wanted to attend in person this time. My aim was not only to present part of my current research but also to experience the international basic income research community up close and to reconnect with some acquaintances and friends. The unique opportunities offered through my work at FRIBIS became clear to me once again, for over the past few years, I have met many key figures in basic income research in Freiburg and now had the opportunity to meet some of them again in England.

The title of my presentation was “Narratives of Change – Basic Income through the Lens of Narrative Scenario Analyses & Conviction Narrative Theory”. Here I presented my theoretical perspective of “narrative economics” as well as various approaches to “narratives of change”, using basic income studies as an example to demonstrate the potential of narrativist methods for further basic income research. There were interested inquiries immediately following the presentation and further exchanges with other researchers. The positive feedback has reinforced my research approach and provided additional motivation.

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the BIEN Congress this year. It was my second time to attend the congress but the first in person. I was happy  to get to England in an environmentally friendly manner, by train. I had offered my services to the local organizing committee as a volunteer in advance  and was quickly integrated into a highly motivated. team So I was able contribute to the success of the congress as a whole. In addition to the professional exchange, such a congress offers excellent networking opportunities and I am eager to see how some of the projects will develop further.

Tobias Jäger, FRIBIS-Team Basic Income for Peacebuilding: “Basic Income and Exit as a Social Good”

At this year’s conference in Bath, I had the opportunity to present the current state of a collaborative study with Jurgen De Wispelaere, titled “Basic Income and Exit as a Social Good”. The presentation took place on the first day as part of the “Labour and Exit” panel. I delivered the talk on my own as Jurgen was concurrently presenting at another session. The panel was well-attended and, to my knowledge, recorded. The primary objective of this presentation was to solicit initial feedback on the concept of exit as a “social good”. The 20-minute talk was followed by an extended Q&A session. A key point of the discussion was the hypothesized negative correlation between the value of the exit option and its utilization. This feedback was particularly valuable in identifying areas requiring more robust substantiation in future iterations of the work. Prof. Almaz Zelleke suggested expanding the model to incorporate gender-related considerations. On a personal note, the presentation provided an excellent opportunity to refine my presentation skills and deepen my engagement with current debates in this field. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging for further research. Our paper has been invited for consideration in a special issue, though the final outcome is pending.

The conference featured numerous interesting events related to labour and exit. Notable examples include “Rethinking Rawls on Employment and A Universal Basic Income” by Larry Udell, “Rawlsian Arguments for and against Basic Income and Job Guarantees” by Michael Howard, and “Between Charity and Entitlement: Unconditional Basic Income as a Gift” by Catarina Neves. All three presentations offered valuable insights, particularly from a social contract perspective.

In my capacity as coordinator of “Basic Income for Peace Building”, I found the lack of substantial development in debates within this area somewhat disappointing. One panel on this topic, in particular, seemed to lack the depth I had anticipated. But on reflection, I acknowledge that a more proactive role as a FRIBIS coordinator might have been beneficial.

Overall, my assessment of the conference was very positive. It provided opportunities for skill development, networking with fellow researchers, and garnered constructive feedback on my work.

Fabienne Hansen: “The Making Of Moeda Social Arariboia: Mapping A Network Of Concepts Through Federal And Local Exchange In Brazilian Municipal Social Policies”

The 23rd Congress in Bath was a rich and diverse experience for me. I had the chance to contribute to various presentations and initiatives, with the launch of the UBI Early Career Network being a particular highlight. The keen interest in this initiative was both surprising and encouraging. So I’m hopeful that the network will significantly enhance academic collaboration among emerging UBI researchers in the years to come.

I also took part in two panel discussions. One was a roundtable titled “The Municipal Path to Basic Income: What Can We Learn from the Maricá Model?”. It drew considerable attention and the panel even made it into the local news in Maricá, which was an unexpected bonus. In another panel focused on Maricá, I presented some of my research on the Moeda Social Arariboia. The audience was very interested in the topic and I received valuable feedback. For me, the discussions that followed, especially the informal conversations, reinforced the importance and relevance of our work in the UBI community.

Overall, I found the atmosphere at the congress intellectually stimulating and open. The productive exchanges with fellow UBI researchers were invaluable, providing insights that will undoubtedly shape my future projects and collaborations.

Round table, participants (from left): Fábio Waltenberg, Adalton Mendonça, Marc Doussard, Bru Laín, Fabienne Hansen, Leandro Ferreira

After the Maricá panel (from left to right): Leandro Ferreira, Eduardo Suplicy, Adalton Mendonça, Fabienne Hansen, Fábio Waltenberg, Marc Doussard

Dominik Schröder and Bianca Blum, FRIBIS-Team UBITrans: “Climate Justice in the Eco-Social State: The Role of Universal Basic Income in Commons Regulation”

In our presentation at the BIEN Congress, we explored the role of Universal Basic Income (UBI) within an eco-social state framework. Our primary focus was on how UBI could facilitate climate-just commons regulation. Drawing on the concept of the “tragedy of the commons,” we illustrated how shared resources, such as the Earth’s atmosphere as a CO2 sink, are frequently overexploited in the absence of incentives for sustainable use. We posited that an eco-social state that aims to reconcile ecological and social sustainability must not only prevent the overuse of common goods but also ensure an equitable distribution of the resulting costs and benefits. While carbon pricing could address the issue of overuse, its regressive effect disproportionately burdens lower-income households through higher energy prices. A UBI could potentially mitigate this effect and can be normatively derived from the principle of climate justice, which we define at its most basic level as equal rights to natural resources. Consequently, we propose that revenues from taxing natural resources should be redistributed equally per capita, potentially in the form of a UBI.

Implementing a UBI as a redistribution mechanism for carbon pricing revenues promotes the concept of universal entitlement to fair participation in common goods, such as the atmosphere. It also ensures that a majority of the population would experience a net benefit from such a reform, potentially securing broad political support for higher carbon prices and, by extension, more effective CO2 emission reduction. This could represent a significant advantage of UBI in the context of socio-ecological transformation, an aspect that has received limited attention in the current eco-social state literature.

The congress provided us with valuable feedback, diverse perspectives, and new ideas for our research project. The post-presentation discussion and the contributions from other panel participants were particularly beneficial in critically examining and expanding our concept. Our participation in the congress has reinforced our conviction that the discourse on UBI’s role in socio-ecological transformation has substantial developmental potential and that the nexus between social and ecological sustainability is of increasing significance.

Larissa Walter: “How can Cognitive Psychology Contribute to the Discourse on Basic Income? Integrating Basic Income and Cognitive Control Research through Laboratory Methodology”

At the BIEN conference, I presented my research on bridging cognitive control research and Universal Basic Income (UBI) discourse through laboratory experiments. My presentation, titled “How can Cognitive Psychology contribute to the Discourse on Basic Income? Integrating Basic Income and Cognitive Control Research through Laboratory Methodology” began with an overview of current UBI research and laboratory methodologies. I then presented my own research as a case study, highlighting the significance of cognitive control processes. After defining the key terminology, I outlined the essential parameters of cognitive psychology laboratory experiments and shared findings from my systematic review.

The audience showed particular interest in the practical applications of my research, specifically how cognitive research findings could inform UBI discourse and how the implementation of UBI might influence cognitive outcomes. There was significant interest in the potential integration of these findings into existing pilot projects. This response has encouraged me to focus future presentations on concrete applications, demonstrating the practical intersection of cognitive research and UBI discourse.

Beyond the formal presentations, the conference provided valuable opportunities for informal discussions about my research focus. These exchanges revealed both substantial interest in my topic and the need to further clarify certain cognitive psychological concepts and methodological approaches. The exchange with other participants proved especially enlightening, offering fresh perspectives on my research. Moreover, I was able to contribute practical insights from my expertise, enriching these dialogues further.

FRIBIS Team “care” Welcomes New Expert as University of Vienna Launches UBI Lecture Series

The University of Vienna is hosting a lecture series in the winter semester 2024/25 on “Bedingungsloses Grundeinkommen – Baustein für gesellschaftliche Transformation und Politikgestaltung” (Universal Basic Income – A Tool for Social Transformation and Policy Making). The series, led by Prof. Dr. Barbara Prainsack, is organized in cooperation with the “Netzwerk Grundeinkommen und Sozialer Zusammenhalt – BIEN Austria” (Network for Basic Income and Social Cohesion – BIEN Austria).
 
One of the network’s co-founders, Margit Appel, will now join the FRIBIS team “care” as a member of the transfer team. With Margit Appel, the team gains a distinguished expert on feminist perspectives on basic income. She explains her motivations for joining the Care Team:

I have been engaged with Universal Basic Income from a feminist perspective for a very long time. Within the basic income movement itself, the question of how unpaid work is distributed under current conditions is insufficiently addressed. Similarly, there is a lack of systematic consideration regarding the potential impact of UBI on the distribution of poorly paid and unpaid care work. I co-authored a book on this topic with Barbara Prainsack, published in early 2024. At the 2023 FRIBIS Annual Conference, where I was invited to present theses from the book, I got to know the Care Team. I immediately and gladly accepted the invitation to join because I had found ‘a place’ where the questions that matter to me are being discussed.

When asked about her expectations for team membership, she responds:

Having already participated in several meetings, I no longer need to rely on hopes alone. I have experienced how the team works in a very non-hierarchical, open manner to contribute to the particularities and challenges of care-related issues and to reflect on the impact of UBI in a nuanced way. Every conversation has brought valuable insights so far, and I hope this will continue in the future.

Regarding the UBI lecture series taking place at the University of Vienna in the winter semester 2024/25, Appel explains:

The twelve-part lecture series examines how Universal Basic Income can drive social transformation and shape policy making through various disciplinary lenses. The opening sessions tackled the structural challenges within Austria’s welfare state, explored how AI is reshaping labor markets, and investigated the complex relationships between work, care, and UBI – with the latter featuring insights from FRIBIS Care Team members Ute Fischer and Verena Löffler. The upcoming lectures will delve into several key themes: the synergy between UBI and public infrastructure, labor unions’ perspectives on UBI, and financing models that distinguish emancipatory from neoliberal UBI approaches and their political ramifications (including a presentation by Care Team member Ronald Blaschke). The series will also contrast two real-world initiatives in Lower Austria: a UBI pilot in Heidenreichstein and a job guarantee scheme in Marienthal. To address pressing environmental concerns, a panel discussion featuring activists from Fridays for Future and System Change not Climate Change will explore UBI’s role in the ecological poly-crisis. This will be followed by an analysis of Austria’s climate bonus as a potential stepping stone toward UBI implementation. The series culminates in an international online panel showcasing perspectives from Catalonia, Ireland, and the UBI-European Initiative, concluding with Care Team member Gudrun Kaufmann’s examination of narrative economics.

The lecture series takes place every Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM CET in HS III NIG at the University of Vienna. Detailed program information can be found here (in German).

FRIBIS “Basisgeld” team: Presentation of Basisgeld concept in German Parliament and climate premium proposal

Two members of the FRIBIS “Basisgeld” team recently contributed to the public debate on direct transfer payments. On October 17, 2024, Dr. Wolfgang Strengmann-Kuhn, Member of the German Parliament and FRIBIS Basisgeld team member, presented the Basisgeld concept developed by team leader Prof. Alexander Spermann in the German Bundestag:

Additionally, Dr. Stefan Bach, research associate at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) and Basisgeld team member, presents proposals for implementing a per-capita climate premium in a recent audio interview, which is also detailed in the DIW Weekly Report. Bach proposes an annual climate premium of 124 euros that could be paid out unbureaucratically via tax ID starting in 2026. A distinctive feature of his concept: The premium would be gradually reduced for higher incomes through the tax system, thereby freeing up additional funds for targeted support of low-income households.

Dr. Stefan Bach

FRIBIS team XUBI reports: Major Milestone for Initiative “Hamburg testet Grundeinkommen” (“Hamburg Tests Basic Income”)

The “Hamburg Tests Basic Income” initiative has achieved a significant breakthrough: On October 1, 2024, the campaign submitted 95,842 signatures to the Hamburg Senate – far exceeding the required threshold (65,000 signatures) for Germany’s first state-funded basic income pilot.

Research Framework for Pilot Study

The three-year pilot study will provide basic income to 2,000 Hamburg residents. To ensure demographic representation, participants will be selected from carefully chosen neighborhoods across the city. The research will examine how basic income affects work patterns, social interactions, and family dynamics.

Path to Implementation

The election authority will now verify the signatures within a six-week period, potentially leading to a public referendum coinciding with the federal elections on September 25, 2025. This initiative reflects strong public support: A 2019 DIW study indicated that approximately 70 percent of German residents favor basic income pilot projects.

FRIBIS as Research Partner

FRIBIS supports the Expedition Basic Income through its dedicated XUBI team, which specializes in the evaluation of basic income pilots. This interdisciplinary team provides expertise on funding mechanisms, research methodology, and data analytics. Drawing on its network of international experts in social sciences, economics, and related fields, FRIBIS ensures rigorous research standards throughout the Hamburg pilot.

XUBI Team Expansion

Early 2024 brought significant changes to the XUBI team: Following Dr. Lisa Reuter’s departure as team coordinator, three distinguished researchers who have collaborated with the team since 2023 have formally joined: Prof. Dr. Hanna Schwander, Chair of Political Sociology and Social Policy at HU Berlin, Prof. Dr. Swen Hutter, Director of the Center for Civil Society Research and Lichtenberg Professor of Political Sociology at FU Berlin, and Dr. Bastian Becker, Interim Chair for Comparative Politics at HU Berlin.

Recent Television Report on Hamburg’s Basic Income Initiative (02.10.24) [Available in German only]

New FRIBIS volume released: „Care & Gender – Potentials & Risks of Universal Basic Income (UBI)“

FRIBIS has released volume 5 of its publication series, titled Care & Gender – Potentials & Risks of Universal Basic Income (UBI). Edited by Bernhard Neumärker and Jessica Schulz, this volume presents selected proceedings from the FRIBIS Annual Conference 2023.

Abstract:

The third annual FRIBIS conference in October 2023 centered its discussions on two previously underrepresented subjects in the Basic Income debate: care and gender. By focusing on these topics, the conference highlighted the importance of exploring basic income through an intersectional feminist lens, particularly addressing issues of care, the care economy, and the division of labor. The main conference was organized by the two international FRIBIS Teams: Care & Basic Income and Gender & Basic Income. Parallel sessions from other FRIBIS teams and members, as well as external researchers and advocates from multiple disciplines and fields of expertise, completed the program. A selection of the contributions is available in this volume.

Care & Gender – Potentials & Risks of Universal Basic Income (UBI) is now available from LIT Verlag in both print and ebook formats.

Registration Open for Winter School at the University of Bath: Basic Income in the Global South (November 4-6, 2024)

UBI Bath and the University of Bath (United Kingdom), in collaboration with FRIBIS and the University of Freiburg, are hosting a Winter School from November 4-6, 2024, on the topic “Basic Income in the Context(s) of the Global South: Ideas, Challenges, and Debates”.
 
The Winter School offers insights into basic income projects in the Global South. Participants will learn about the specific circumstances, difficulties, and results of pilot projects and experiments in these countries. Similar political approaches and initiatives will also be presented. A focus lies on the political and ethical questions that arise in the debates about basic income in these regions. This includes topics such as social rights, justice, and the question of how much the state should intervene.
 
Through various case studies, the aim is to develop a critical understanding of the potential and limitations of basic income as a tool for social and economic transformation in so-called “developing countries”. Special attention will be given to the interplay between conditional cash transfers and basic income ideas, which has been observed since the early 2000s.

BIEN launches UBIdata: Data for Basic Income Research and Policy

At the recent BIEN Congress, held from August 29 to 31 at the University of Bath, UBIdata was unveiled as an innovative tool for advancing basic income research. This pioneering project aims to deliver reliable information on basic income to a rapidly expanding global audience, including both individuals and institutions eager to learn more. For a deeper dive into this initiative, join us at the upcoming Annual FRIBIS Conference, where Jurgen De Wispelaere—member of the FRIBIS teams UBI-XT and UBIMar—will be showcasing UBIdata.

Explore more at UBIdata.io

UBIdata gathers, processes and displays data about basic income pilots and experiments, survey and micro-simulations, political and media debates, and the development of grassroots organisations and networks. When completed, UBIdata will feature different interfaces and tools for interested audiences to engage with available information to meet their diverse needs and demands.

UBIdata is an ambitious project which is currently in its prototype starting phase. The current beta-version focuses on collecting and disseminating key data of a small selection of pilots and experiments in six countries. In its starting phase, the goal is to demonstrate and test the utility and user experience of the project on a small scale.

You can get involved and support us by sharing UBIdata with your networks, by trying out the tool, and by providing feedback at contact@ubidata.io. Your input and suggestions are vital for making UBIdata a helpful tool for everyone interested in the basic income idea.

UBIdata team

 

Research and Activism in Dialogue: FRIBIS at the Basic Income Network’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

On July 6, 2024, the Basic Income Network commemorated its 20th anniversary at the Budde-Haus in Leipzig with a series of lectures, discussions and panels. The event, attended by approximately 60-70 participants per session, convened a diverse group of scientists, activists and interested citizens. It featured a range of presentations, conversations, networking opportunities and festivities. Dr. Verena Löffler, Franziska Leopold, and Tobias Dumschat, researchers from different FRIBIS teams, participated as panellists.

Basic Income and Care

Tobias Dumschat, Coordinator of the FRIBIS team “care”, and a doctoral student at FRIBIS, participated in the “Work – Care – Basic Income” discussion from 2:15 pm to 4:00 pm. He shared findings from his qualitative study, which investigates whether family caregivers need a basic income or not. His research focuses on non-retired caregivers who assist elderly dependents. Dumschat discussed ways in which a basic income might expand the range of actions available to this group and shared the subjective views of those affected.

Reflecting on his role as a speaker, he commented,

 

 

Tobias Dumschat

I was delighted to be able to present my unpublished research results at the 20th anniversary of the Basic Income Network. After many months of solitude, it was time to share the outcomes and engaging with such an attentive audience was particularly rewarding. The discussion with Margit Appel, Barbara Prainsack, and Elfriede Harth, along with the feedback from the audience, was very inspiring. Afterwards, we divided into smaller groups to allow for more detailed discussions based on the research findings. I gained many insights from this roundtable that I will incorporate into my ongoing research. Overall, it was an excellent day filled with engaging discussions.

Homelessness and Basic Income

From 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM, Dr. Verena Löffler, also a member of the FRIBIS team “care”, presented her findings on “Homelessness and Basic Income.” She explored whether a basic income could improve the living conditions of the most disadvantaged. She shared results from various projects, suggesting that an unconditional basic income could serve as a preventive measure against homelessness. Löffler described the subsequent discussion as “very productive”:

I was particularly pleased to see the conclusions I reached from theory confirmed by practitioners in homelessness assistance. Sandy Feldbacher from the street magazine KIPPE highlighted a crucial issue—the accessibility of the current social system for EU immigrants—and questioned whether this would change with a basic income. This, in my view, pinpointed a critical concern among some basic income proponents as the financial feasibility of a UBI by the DIW, for example, is based on the assumption that current restrictions will be maintained. At the event, some attendees confirmed that the basic income model they supported would include all residents of a specific area, regardless of their legal status. Another interesting discussion arose when the audience questioned why those who would be likely to benefit most from a basic income often oppose it. Chris, formerly homeless, mentioned that there was a certain distrust of the unconditional nature of the payment. The concept of receiving money without any conditions is difficult for many homeless people to grasp as they typically have to expose significant personal details to receive financial assistance.

Dr. Verena Löffler

Verena Löffler im Gespräch mit Chriss (Wohnungslosenaktivist)

Public Opinion on Basic Income and NGO Strategies

Franziska Leopold, Coordinator of the FRIBIS team MUBINGO and a research associate at FRIBIS, presented her study, “Approval and Positions on Basic Income – Hints for Successful NGO Strategies” from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Her research not only addresses public opinion on basic income but also explores the challenges faced by volunteers within the German-speaking basic income movement. Leopold shared the outcomes of her analysis, which assessed public sentiment across various demographic groups and identified factors that influence support for basic income.

She reported that her presentation was well received, with some participants inquiring afterwards whether the information was already publicly available. The audience showed keen interest in how a basic income could be framed to enhance public acceptance. Her findings have reinforced NGO efforts by illustrating that knowledge about basic income in the general population is still rather limited.

What became apparent to me for the scientific discourse is the importance of preparing results in German concisely and making them available to NGOs to promote societal exchange. In my opinion, what particularly got the activists to think was that those who would benefit most from a basic income (people with low incomes) are the least active, as well as women, in line with with the activists’ experiences. Additionally, younger individuals tend to be less involved. I sensed that some activists were indeed receptive to my suggestions on how to possibly better engage these groups (offering more one-time, less formal and broad activities, perhaps through competitions/art, collaboration with the environmental scene, etc.).

The Basic Income Network’s Perspective on Collaboration between Activism and Academia

We spoke with Ronald Blaschke, co-founder and long-time member of the Basic Income Network, about his views on the role of collaboration between research and activism in advancing the basic income movement and the accomplishments of activist efforts over the past two decades. Blaschke, who has been active in such social movements for 30 years, including 20 in the basic income movement, has published on basic income, held teaching positions, and worked professionally in the German Bundestag and voluntarily with the Basic Income Network and scientific institutions.

Ronald Blaschke

Research and social movements can cross-fertilize each other. Science can learn what the relevant topics, questions and answers are for social movements. Social movements can critically examine their own topics and answers, underpinning them scientifically. The dialogic exchange on basic income and related topics is important. It happens too infrequently and needs more support and continuity.

Lack of overview of previous Basic Income research?

However, he sees a problem in the perception of existing knowledge about basic income by researchers:

Margit Appel, Barbara Prainsack, Ronald Blaschke

Research and social movements can cross-fertilize each other. Science can learn what the relevant topics, questions and answers are for social movements. Social movements can critically examine their own topics and answers, underpinning them scientifically. The dialogic exchange on basic income and related topics is important. It happens too infrequently and needs more support and continuity.

Editorial Note: The Basic Income Network recently published a comprehensive literature list on the topic of basic income. This list includes over 1,300 titles of German-language works on basic income and thus represents the most comprehensive compilation in this field to date. The list is publicly accessible and is continuously updated by the Basic Income Network’s Literature Working Group.

Communication between Research and the Public

Blaschke also emphasized the need for improved communication between researchers and the general public:

Opening of the celebration

If research wants to disseminate knowledge and engage in public discussions, it must be able to speak at least two ‘languages’: an academic language that is globally understandable — typically English — and a ‘day-to-day’ language that resonates with the everyday experiences of people, presented in their native language. This principle also applies to basic income research. Without this dual-language capability, much potential is lost. Luther’s translation of the Bible was revolutionary for making scripture accessible; similarly, we must strive to make scientific insights accessible.

Conclusion

In summary, the anniversary celebration powerfully reaffirmed the significance of ongoing dialogue between research and activism for the future development of the basic income concept. The event also underscored the importance of presenting research findings in a manner that is comprehensible to the broader public, thereby enhancing the civic dialogue on basic income.

Prof. Bernhard Neumärker talks about Basic Income and Tax Policy on Radio Sol (July 2024)

FRIBIS Director, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Neumärker, was a guest on the show “Das liebe Geld” (loosely translated as “Our precious money”) on Radio Sol in July 2024. In conversation with the hosts, Ilse Pforr and Gerhard Pellegrini, he addressed the topics of basic income and tax policy.

Neumärker advocated the necessity of a paradigm shift in both the world of work and in the tax system. He explained how a Universal Basic Income could enable people to focus on meaningful activities.

Another point of discussion was the need to simplify the existing tax system. Here Prof. Neumärker criticized the current complexity of this system and argued for more transparent, simpler models. He emphasized the need for tax systems to be fundamentally adapted to modern needs and realities.

He also elaborated on the connection between basic income and new tax models, particularly in the context of consumption taxation. FRIBIS research shows surprising results here.Contrary to common economic assumptions, financing a basic income through value-added tax would not lead to decreasing but rather to increasing tax revenue. Here he argued that conventional economic models are unable to capture the positive effects of a basic income because they are based on outdated premises.

 

 

FRIBIS is looking for a student assistant

FRIBIS is looking for a student assistant to support research with economic experiments

Freiburg Institute for Basic Income Studies (FRIBIS) at the Faculty of Economics and Behavioural Sciences Faculty is looking for a Bachelor or Master Student Assistant to support the department and PhD students on the preparation and execution ofeconomic lab experiments on the theme of basic income and social contracting.

We are ideally looking for someone who is able to work in the position for at least 6 months, preferably longer.

Responsibilities:

  • Coding economic lab experiments in Z-Tree (and possibly other software such as Lioness). Z-Tree is a widely used software package created for developing and executing economic laboratory experiments. You can find more information on ZTree here: https://www.ztree.uzh.ch/en.html
  • Assisting in the planning, organization, and conduction of experimental sessions including recruiting participants, online marketing, and data bank administration
  • Problem-solving and providing support to IT and technical problems
  • (Potentially) providing support in preparation of teaching material.

Your profile:

  • Good English language. German is a bonus
  • Good computer skills
  • Ability to quickly learn new software
  • Problem-solving and creating thinking
  • Independence and initiative
  • You enjoy working in an intercultural and interdisciplinary team

Desired:

  • Previous experience in coding, or with Z-Tree, O-Tree or Lioness are all desirable but not necessary. We expect that you will be able to learn on the job and become an expert on Z-Tree to support our team
  • Economics or IT student.

If you are interested in pursuing further studies or writing your thesis at the Götz Werner Chair of Economic Policy and Constitutional Economic Theory under Professor Bernhard Neumärker on themes of basic income, experimental and behavioural economics, or social contracting, this is a good opportunity to work closely with researchers on this topic. Through this role, you can develop the skills to design and execute your own experiments in the contexts of your class work or thesis.

Work Conditions:

  • From 40 up to 85 hours/month
  • Flexible working hours to fit around your classes and other commitments
  • Independent working conditions with regular check-ins and support from supervisors
  • International team
  • Position is available for 3 to 6 months, with possibility of extension.

Please send your application documents include a short, self-written motivation letter, resume, copy of your academic records and a certificate of enrollment, as well as any other relevant certificates or documents. Please include your expected date of graduation.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above, citing the reference number 00003891, by 11.08.2024 at the latest. For further information, please click here.