How a ‘fourth-sector economic strategy’ can help us build a better future for all

How a ‘fourth-sector economic strategy’ can help us build a better future for all

An emerging approach to the economy combines the best of the public sector (governments), private sector (for-profit) and social sector (non-profits).

This evolution has led to the blurring of boundaries among these three sectors, bringing an additional fourth sector into focus.

While fragmented and still forming, this nascent fourth sector points a way forward to address the failures of the current system.



When G20 leaders met virtually at the end of last year for the Riyadh summit under the theme 'Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All', high on the agenda was addressing the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its economic and social impacts. At their own recent virtual meeting, G7 leaders stated their intention to "work together to shape a recovery that promotes the health and prosperity of our people and our planet.“ These discussions have taken place at a difficult and extraordinary time, which has led many to re-evaluate our very economic and social foundations. Efforts to contain waves of COVID-19 have forced governments to make zero-sum choices between saving lives and livelihoods, with unavoidable damage to both. Families around the world are mourning loved ones while facing surging unemployment, volatile markets and a global recession.

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