What is an NCP Lab idea?

An NCP Idea works to tackle one or more of the barriers to a better economic system identified by the Design Team. Ideas that focus on shifting: Paradigms—the mental models, individual and collective mindsets, and habit of thought that direct any system. Power—the distribution of decision-making power, authority and both formal and informal influence among individuals and organizations. Policies + Practices—government, institutional, organizational rules, regulations and priorities that guide action.   

These are complex levers to affect. As such, an NCP Idea is marked by three attributes. It is:

• Transformative: Seeks to make long-term change at multiple levels (from practices to power to paradigms) to our economic system, aligned to the shared NCP Vision. This is distinct from ideas focused solely on improving the current economic system. 

• Experimental: Doesn’t need years of a “proven track record;” but applies rigorous learning practices to how it designs and pursues its transformative intent in the context of the complex adaptive system of our economy. The success and strategy for the work is defined by a trajectory of iterative experimentation rather than pre-determined benchmarks of progress.

• Collaborative: Cannot be accomplished by one organization alone. Through collaborative work reaches multiple parts of the system and engages multiple change types (Warriors, Lovers, Entrepreneurs, etc.) to effect change. The idea itself is richer because of the involvement of collaborators, not just an exercise is “subcontracting” one party’s vision.

A more detailed discussion of the NCP vision for a better economy and related barriers can be found in NCP Phase 1 Report: Vision and Barriers.