Co-operative leaders need to understand the economy from a perspective that is consistent with their purpose, values and principles. Neoclassical economics is off the mark in too many ways. These chapters provide a more realistic reading of the economy and will be helpful in understanding the challenges we face and how best we can contribute to making this a better world through co-operative action.

Dame Pauline Green, president, International Co-operative Alliance

The timing of this book is perfect! The findings from the 2012 Imagine Conference summarise ways to create prosperity and stability in this new economic, social and environmental reality. Leading economic thinkers provide critical insights in how the co-operative enterprise model meets the growing complex global problems while building a better world. Kudos to Tom Webb and Sonja Novkovic for making this happen.

Denyse Guy, executive director, Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada

This is an outstanding collection of new economics, reflecting a growing and creative body of work on the practice and the theory of a more inclusive and authentically sustainable economy.

Ed Mayo, secretary general, Co-operatives UK

Imagine 2012 was an acmé for the International Summit of Co-operatives during the International Year of Co-operatives. The recent financial crisis revealed much disarray in our ability to foresee our future and Imagine has been the silver lining behind the cloud for those who believe that co-ops are enterprises to build a better world.

Jean Louis Bancel, president of Crédit Coopératif, chair of International Cooperative Banks Association, and member of the board of International Cooperative Alliance

More than ever, the world needs economic systems whose objectives are not to make a small fraction of humanity monetarily rich but, rather, to build a more inclusive society where quality of life for all is the metric of success. Co-operatives have proven track records of generating just such outcomes. The ideas presented in this publication can serve to further our understanding of the possibilities and challenges associated with unleashing the power of a healthier view of sustainable economics.

Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO, The Co-operators, Canada

This collective work brings very useful insights on how cooperatives, in a plural economy, can help build a better world and reach sustainable prosperity. A must read for those who wants to learn about the cooperative model and its economics.

Monique F. Leroux, chair of the board, president and chief executive officer, Desjardins Group