The economy of the common good: The expression of a new sustainable economic model

In an era characterised by a persistent economic-social crisis that is definable as “systemic” rather than “cyclical," and which increasingly puts into question the traditional economic models, the need emerges to develop new models that respond better to current demands by promoting a development that is both fair and sustainable. All this has generated the birth of other currents of thought that contrast the traditional homo oeconomicus with the new figure of homo reciprocans whose action is dictated by the pursuit of the common good and who operates, therefore, according to the principle of reciprocity. The economy of the common good is an expression of a new sustainable economic model that places at the centre of economic activity the human being and all living beings, and the functioning of the relations between them. The work, after a close examination of the theme of the economy of the common good and solidarity, examined an enterprise that has been operating in Sicily for several years according to the principles of solidarity economics. The use of the Common Good Balance Sheet has enabled some first evaluations to be made in relation to the validity of such enterprises in the economic and social landscape of reference.