Doughnut Economics in Local Governments: An Overview of Emerging Practice

Background: Since the publication of Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist ( Raworth, 2017 ), policymakers have been experimenting with the practical application of the model. This article provides a first overview of policy approaches informed by Doughnut Economics (DE) in 50 local governments worldwide that have engaged with it in their own processes, strategies, and plans. Methods: The study uses a mixed-methods approach, analyzing 30 responses to a survey of policy leads and 91 policy documents and other grey literature sources. Results: The study identified some key patterns and trends regarding geographic distribution, political orientation, motivations for beginning work with DE, reported benefits, and challenges. Conclusion: Based on the policy documents analyzed, we propose categorizing the emergent practical application of DE in local government into five interconnected areas: data-based diagnostic and monitoring, place-wide strategic compass and visioning, sector or project-specific visioning, dialogue and co-creation, and impact assessment and decision-making.