Regenerative Economics

Transform how you see the economy—and what's possible. Discover a science-based, hopeful path beyond crisis thinking with a regenerative model that works like a living system, helping leaders, communities, and citizens navigate climate chaos, inequality, and ecological breakdown with clarity and purpose. This groundbreaking book reveals why today's economic model is failing—and how a regenerative approach can unlock resilience, justice, and health for people and the planet. Instead of reacting to crisis after crisis, a regenerative economy creates the conditions for systems to thrive, adapt, and evolve. This bold rethinking of economics for a world in crisis: - Identifies the hidden fatal flaw driving today's polycrisis - Explains regenerative design principles rooted in living systems - Offers actionable steps and transformative policies for real change - Moves beyond sustainability, circularity, and degrowth toward whole-system health - Illuminates a path forward that aligns economic activity with ecological limits. Why this book matters now As climate disruption, biodiversity loss, and inequality accelerate, this work provides a hopeful, rigorous framework for redesigning our economic future—one grounded in science, values, and the deep wisdom of natural systems. About the Author John Fullerton is an unconventional economist, impact investor, and founder of the Capital Institute. After a 20-year career as a Managing Director at “the old JPMorgan,” he left Wall Street in search of deeper answers. His pioneering work, Regenerative Capitalism, launched a global movement, and his online course, Introduction to Regenerative Economics, has reached audiences worldwide. A member of the Club of Rome and featured in the award-winning documentary Going Circular, Fullerton is widely regarded as the leading voice on regenerative economic thinking. Redefine what the economy can be—and help build a future where both people and the planet can thrive.

John Fullerton is an unconventional economist, impact investor, writer, and, some have said, philosopher. He is considered the architect of Regenerative Economics, first conceived in 2015 in the work "Regenerative Capitalism: How Universal Patterns and Principles Will Shape the New Economy." After a successful 20-year career on Wall Street where he was a Managing Director of what he calls "the old JPMorgan," John listened to a persistent inner voice and walked away in 2001 with no plan, but many questions. A few months later he experienced the events of 9/11 firsthand, and after the 2008 Financial Crisis, John created the Capital Institute to explore ever deepening questions about the future of capitalism. John's revolutionary ideas have been met with wide, global acclaim through his writings, talks, and his 8-week online course "Introduction to Regenerative Economics." A member of the Club of Rome, John was featured in the 2021 award winning documentary, Going Circular, with James Lovelock. He lives in Stonington, CT.

Foreword Part I Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: From a Mechanistic to a Holistic Worldview Chapter 3: Eight Principles of Regenerative Economics Chapter 4: Regenerative Economies Emerging in the Real World Chapter 5: Creating a Regenerative Civilization PART II Chapter 6: Introduction to Part - A Decade of Observations, Learnings, and Challenges Chapter 7: Misunderstandings About Regeneration Chapter 8: The Regenerative Paradigm Chapter 9: Epiphany - The Missing Institution of the Commons Chapter 10: Regenerative Technology - an Oxymoron? Chapter 11: The Finance Algorithm Chapter 12: Reimagining Public Policy Epilogue Notes Acknowledgment About the Author About Capital Institute