Launching a new alliance

A reliable fixed income for all citizens, with no pre-conditions or quid pro quo: for some years now, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Neumärker of the Götz Werner Chair of Economic Policy and Constitutional Economic Theory at the University of Freiburg has been working on the concept of an Unconditional Basic Income (UBI). Now, the university has founded the Freiburg Institute for Basic Income Studies (FRIBIS), linked to the Götz Werner professorship. The aim of this international and interdisciplinary association is to research every aspect of the Unconditional Basic Income and consider the question of how it might be realized.

“In researching this multi-layered reform concept, interdisciplinary cooperation is essential,” stresses Neumärker. Amongst other things the competence network will organize thematic workshops and conferences. Besides Professor Neumärker, the founding board includes Prof. Dr. Andrea Kiesel from the Institute of Psychology, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Nebel from the Institute of Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Gregor Dobler from the Institute of Ethnology, Prof. Dr. Matthias Nückles from the Institute of Educational Science and Prof. Dr. Klaus Baumann from the Faculty of Theology.

The concept of the Unconditional Basic Income is that each member of society, no matter what their age or social status, receives a regular monthly payment from the state. “Amongst other things it’s about decoupling work and income, and thereby allowing people to undertake activities that are of benefit to all,” says Neumärker, adding, “There are many people who would like to be more involved in charitable activities but can’t do it because they have to take care to earn enough.” The UBI would currently have to be between 1,000 and 1,500 euros, the economist estimates. The result would be a reduced welfare state, because taking the UBI approach could replace unemployment benefits and pensions up to the level of the basic income.

Given recent political developments the economist believes that the UBI could certainly be introduced in coming years. The younger generation is very concerned about what is important for their future. “In my view the UBI is just as important as protecting the environment, because it protects people and allows them to participate,” Neumärker emphasizes.

www.fribis.uni-freiburg.de