What’s Holding Back Post-Growth Business?
A 2025 Survey of Business Professionals on Doughnut Economics and Barriers to Post-Growth Business Transformation
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Introduction
This original research, conducted in collaboration with the London School of Economics, explores how business professionals across sectors view the transition to post-growth business. While support for doughnut economics is widespread, our findings reveal a striking disconnect between individual belief and perceived organisational readiness.
Download the full report and get practical guidance for business leaders, educators and policymakers to implement post-growth business practices.
Authors
Key Survey Insights from 400+ Business PROFESSIONALS
of business professionals support doughnut economics principles
believe it's difficult to engage business in solving environmental problems
they think 17% of peers oppose
post-growth business
(only 3% actually do)
What Are the Five Post-Growth Business Principles?
Size and Scope
Right-sized and rooted in community
Strategy
Durable products, circular methods, impact over growth
Incorporation Structure
Legal forms that protect the broader mission
Governance
Build participatory structures across teams
Relationship to Profit
Use profit to repair, regenerate and reinvest
A Note From the Researcher
“This survey revealed something powerful: the biggest blockers to post-growth transition aren’t values, they’re perceptions. There’s a growing cohort of professionals who want to align business with the planet’s limits, but feel isolated. This report is both a reflection and an invitation: you’re not alone.”
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- Stakeholder-specific actions for business leaders, educators, and policymakers
- An overview of research methodology
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