The Next Economy: Recommendation

Last updated in 2024.

Giving Green recommends The Next Economy (TNE) as one of Australia's most effective organisations in combating climate change. Their evidence-based theory of change and history of success are complemented by expansive community engagement work. Their unique insights are rooted in on-the-ground consultations and provide policymakers with a meaningful lens through which to view climate change and then to act.

The Next Economy works across all economic sectors to accelerate Australia’s transition to a climate-centered, economically sound future. The Next Economy works with all stakeholders to tackle some of the hardest issues facing the country as Australia moves towards net zero: for example, the decarbonisation of the land sector, and the sustainable and fair development of heavy industries key to Australia’s export future like green manufacturing and critical minerals development. The Next Economy’s ability to leverage what it is learning on the ground to influence new policies sets it apart from many other organisations.

Because public support and action are integral to Australia’s transition to a zero-carbon future, TNE collaborates with communities, industries, and governments to identify climate opportunities that are pragmatic and meaningful to all stakeholders. TNE has also identified green heavy industry as a major area of focus, and it considers green industrial exports a core pillar of Australia’s future economy. 

The Next Economy’s approach and deep relationships with communities across the country increase the likelihood of accelerated action on climate change by ensuring that new developments deliver lasting and tangible benefits for the climate, communities, workers, and the environment.  

The Next Economy reports a funding gap of $400,000 AUD and would invest new funds in 2024 to further its research and policy advisory work at both state and federal levels.

For more information, see our deep dive research report and a summary below.

What is The Next Economy?

Launched in 2018, The Next Economy is an Australia-based nonprofit and consultancy focused on supporting and accelerating Australia’s evolution to a zero-emissions economy while engaging and supporting regional communities involved in the transition.

How could The Next Economy help address climate change?

The Next Economy aims to combat climate change by tackling practical challenges and social attitudes towards decarbonisation to increase the likelihood that green projects and climate policies will advance. It ensures that local stakeholders are informed and consulted so that critical groups' concerns can contribute to policies and projects wherever possible. These efforts help to preempt pushback while garnering more public support. 

The Next Economy does considerable work supporting initiatives with significant potential to reduce emissions, such as major projects to decarbonise heavy industry or which lay the foundations for future green heavy industry. 

What does The Next Economy do?

The Next Economy seeks to support groups across regional Australia to develop plans and strategies that reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously creating beneficial social, environmental and economic outcomes. Through consultancy projects, community engagement, and utilising on-the-ground insights, TNE advocate for climate policy developments at state and federal levels This advisory work could lead to significantly more tractable and publicly acceptable climate policies, accelerate the development of a zero-carbon Australia, and promote Australia’s green export industries. Overall, The Next Economy aims to do all of this while creating an economically prosperous future with thriving regional economies. 

What evidence is there of The Next Economy’s effectiveness?

In recent years, TNE has made significant progress in accelerating critical green projects. One example is their work with the Gladstone Regional Council to develop the Gladstone 10-year Economic Transition Roadmap. Previously, Gladstone - a primary coal mining region - was considered one of the carbon capitals of Australia. Now, Gladstone identifies as one of Australia’s major green industrial hubs, home to multiple new industrial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia developments. Experts we interviewed cited TNE as being a key driver of this change. Similarly, experts cited TNE’s advisory work a shaving had influence on climate policy at both federal and state levels. As such, we consider The Next Economy to have a strong history of success.

What would The Next Economy do with your donation?

Donating to The Next Economy will further help it to enable vital research and policy advisory work. Funding would be used to support research and policy staff who can enhance The Next Economy’s policy advisory work with state and federal governments. Funding would also allow The Next Economy to be able to respond to new advocacy opportunities and assist with the growth of its communications work, such as the development of flagship reports and timely media engagement.

Why is Giving Green excited about The Next Economy?

The Next Economy supports the development of a zero-carbon Australia in an economically beneficial, politically feasible way while mitigating push-back on key green projects. Few groups are as well-placed as The Next Economy to smooth the way for new renewable projects and policies. The Next Economy has unique advantages in its strong working relationships with local communities, which make its policy advising activities especially salient. We think there is strong evidence to support its theory of change and have assessed that The Next Economy has room to deploy more funding impactfully.

Donate to The Next Economy to advance a sustainable and fair green transition.

Giving Green is part of IDInsight Inc., a charitable, tax-exempt organization. This is a non-partisan analysis (study or research) and is provided for educational purposes.