Rethinking urban sustainability with the Amsterdam Doughnut Coalition
GDP alone is an inadequate measure of a country’s true health and well-being[1][2]. Instead of chasing endless growth, Doughnut Economics encourages societies to redefine success in terms of balance, sustainability, and human well-being. But how can this vision be realised? Meaningful collaboration between universities, civil society, and industry is key to driving this shift. The Amsterdam Doughnut Coalition (ADC), a network composed of the city government, local businesses, and community organisations, is actively applying Doughnut principles to create systemic change in Amsterdam.
For universities interested in embracing regenerative practices, ADC offers a powerful model for engagement and innovation. How might your institution engage? Could a student-led project explore circular practices in your city? Could curriculum design incorporate Doughnut thinking? Or could a partnership with local stakeholders open new avenues for innovation?
The city that runs on doughnuts – Amsterdam Doughnut Coalition
The ADC was born from a shared vision to transform cities into thriving, sustainable hubs. Rooted in Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL), the ADC has positioned itself as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and systemic change. It consists of an open network connecting projects, initiatives, and individuals inspired by the principles of Doughnut Economics.
Challenging the status quo of economic growth, the coalition works to balance social foundations with ecological ceilings that safeguard the planet’s resources. The Amsterdam Doughnut Coalition structures its actions in four key areas: Places & Cities, Research & Education, Art & Design, and Government & Policy, alongside an active engagement with businesses.
The doughnut as a metaphor
Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics (2017), redefines economic success by balancing planetary and social boundaries. It envisions two concentric rings:
- The inner ring ensures basic human needs are met.
- The outer marks ecological limits that must not be exceeded.
Underserving basic social needs with mean society falls into the doughnut’s hole in the middle, while exceeding the planetary thresholds would harm the planet, making it vital to operate within the “sweet spot” where both people and nature thrive.
The Doughnut is more than an economic model, it’s a metaphor for understanding the intricate dynamics of cities and communities. Much like the layers of a doughnut, societies are composed of interconnected elements that together create vibrant, resilient cities and systems. Through this lens, ADC’s work comes to life, offering a circular and regenerative approach to urban development.
The ADC as a doughnut – A layered approach to urban change
What if we applied the Doughnut analogy directly to the ADC? The coalition’s activities mirror the structure of a doughnut, each part critical to a thriving regenerative system.
The dough: Places and cities
At the heart of the doughnut lies the dough. The firm yet mouldable base provides structure and stability. Similarly, the foundation of any city lies in its physical infrastructure, historical roots, and the connections that bind its communities. ADC’s work in the Places & Cities domain strengthens these foundations.
One of ADC’s flagship initiatives, Ecodam, hosts a public space designed to allow children to experience the principles of the circular economy, instilling values of sustainability and regeneration in future generations. By fostering a deep connection between young minds and the concept of circularity, Ecodam strengthens the foundations of a sustainable society.
Urban planners and community leaders, much like skilled bakers, craft these environments to enable growth and innovation. Through its efforts, ADC emphasises the importance of local communities in driving systemic change, proving that even small neighbourhoods can inspire greater movements.
The glaze: Art and design shaping identity
The glaze gives the doughnut its visual appeal – enticing attention and engagement. Similarly, art and design play a critical role in shaping the cultural and visual identity of a city. ADC’s Art & Design initiatives leverage public art, architecture, and cultural events to infuse Amsterdam with vibrancy and creativity.
They evoke emotion, foster community pride, and stimulate creativity, inspiring others. For ADC, art and design are not just aesthetic enhancements but tools for building a sense of belonging and connection. By showcasing innovative designs and engaging the public, ADC ensures that the Doughnut’s principles are not just theoretical but tangibly visible in the urban landscape.
The filling: Depth through research and education
The filling of a doughnut is where its true richness lies—just as research and education provide depth and substance to society. ADC’s collaboration with universities serves as its intellectual backbone, enriching every initiative with knowledge and innovation. By equipping students and academics with the tools to tackle sustainability challenges, they not only generate solutions but also act as enablers of community-driven change.
A prime example of this is ADC’s collaboration with university-led research projects such as the Reflow Textile Lab, a three-year initiative funded by the European Commission, aimed at creating a circular textile industry. This project tackles critical issues such as CO2 emissions and textile waste, offering actionable solutions informed by rigorous research. Universities, think tanks, and educators play a central role in this process, infusing each initiative with expertise, insight, and innovation.
By embedding research into real-world projects, ADC ensures that knowledge generation translates into action—and that future generations are equipped to lead sustainable transitions.
The hole: Governance and purpose
Often overlooked, the hole at the doughnut’s centre provides balance and structure. In society, this role is played by governance and policymaking. ADC’s engagement in Government & Policy highlights the importance of sound decision-making in shaping sustainable cities and, thus its communities.
Their collaboration with the Food Council MRA demonstrate the importance of participatory governance. By fostering collaboration between diverse stakeholders in the food chain, this initiative addresses critical issues of food equity and sustainability through the lens of Doughnut Economics. Governance may be invisible, but it is indispensable—ensuring that collaborative action remains focused, inclusive, and impactful.
The toppings: Businesses driving innovation
Finally, toppings, whether sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or crushed nuts, add variety and dynamism. Businesses play a similar role in urban systems, driving innovation, responsiveness and economic vitality. Through partnerships with purpose-driven companies, ADC actively promotes circular business models that prove profitability and sustainability can co-exist. This engagement ensures that the city remains agile, adaptive, and resilient.
A circular doughnut, A circular world
The Amsterdam Doughnut Coalition embodies the circular ethos of Doughnut Economics, rethinking urban life to thrive within planetary boundaries. ADC counts around 1,400 members and has engaged with 41 organisations across more than 100 collaborative projects, ranging from nonprofits and educational institutions to government bodies and businesses.
This grassroots approach is key to ADC’s success: empowering local communities to drive change, while providing visible proof that regenerative and equitable urban development is possible.
If you start something and you can make it visible, and prove that you or your neighbourhood is benefiting, then your city will wake up and say we need to support them.
Jennifer Drouin, Amsterdam Doughnut Coalition Co-Founder[3]
By crafting a city that balances social and ecological priorities, ADC positions Amsterdam as a global leader in sustainable innovation. As the Coalition demonstrates, change starts with action, and universities have both the knowledge and the platform to help cities and communities thrive within planetary and social boundaries.
References
[1] Stiglitz, J. E., Sen, A., & Fitoussi, J. P. (2009). The measurement of economic performance and social progress revisited (Vol. 33, pp. 1-63). France: Ofce.
[2] Da Costa, S. M. (2025). Composite indices and preference-based measures of wellbeing (No. JRC141107). Joint Research Centre.
[3] TIME Magazine (2021) Amsterdam Is Embracing a Radical New Economic Theory to Help Save the Environment. Could It Also Replace Capitalism?.
Ready for more?
In the Netherlands, Foodvalley stands as a powerful example of how collaboration can accelerate innovation and create lasting impact across the agrifood sector. By bridging ideas and action, Foodvalley ensures that academic discoveries are rapidly applied, recognising that, much like fresh food, innovation loses value if left unused for too long. Learn more in our case study The power of collaboration: Driving systemic change for the food transition.
In the practical brief The role of universities in building regenerative economies, we explore the concept of regenerative economies, its main challenges, and the role of universities in developing this economic approach.
Luca Barbera (author) is a Junior Project Officer at UIIN. His work encompasses a broad spectrum of research topics, including sustainability, deep tech, engagement practices for universities and academics, with a particular emphasis on the valorisation of results.
