1. Gradual adoption and local roots
The first step to developing a libre economy is to concentrate efforts on local communities where exchanges can intensify quickly thanks to proximity and trust.
- Create local groups: Organise regular events, such as “Ğmarchés”, to make it easier to exchange goods and services in libre currency. This encourages interaction and increases the usefulness of the currency.
- Raise awareness among local shopkeepers and craftspeople: Invite local businesses to accept part of their transactions in libre currency, showing them the benefits, such as access to a committed customer network.
2. Developing supply and demand
To make the libre economy viable, it is essential to develop both supply (what can be bought) and demand (users looking to exchange their UD).
- Encourage diversification of products and services: Encourage members to offer a variety of goods (food, crafts, second-hand items) and services (lessons, repairs, consultations). The more diverse the offer, the more attractive it becomes.
- Create opportunities specific to the libre currency: Set up initiatives that could only exist in this framework, such as improved bartering or community projects funded in libre currency.
3. Suitable business models
The economic framework of the libre currency requires us to rethink certain practices so that they are consistent with its principles, such as monetary co-creation and space-time equality.
- Setting prices: Prices must take into account that the libre currency is abundant and regularly renewed thanks to the Universal Dividend (UD). This implies dynamic models, sometimes indexed to the UD.
- Rethinking value: In a libre economy, value can be defined not only by supply and demand but also by ethical, environmental or community principles. This gives flexibility to experiment with fairer models.
4. Building economic ecosystems
Sustainable development of the libre economy relies on creating ecosystems where economic players help and collaborate with one another.
- Create networks of suppliers and customers: Develop a network in which businesses and individuals can trade directly, reducing dependence on non-libre currencies.
- Digital platforms: Use or develop online tools to list offers and requests, simplify transactions, and map local and global initiatives.
5. Education and economic support
A transition to a libre economy requires a thorough understanding of the issues, tools and practices.
- Specific training: Offer workshops or seminars to introduce users and businesses to the specifics of the libre economy, particularly managing a budget in libre currency.
- Supporting entrepreneurial projects: Support entrepreneurs who want to launch initiatives in libre currency, by helping them design viable business models.
6. Collaborative funding and shared projects
The libre currency can be a powerful tool to start collective projects that benefit the whole community.
- Crowdfunding in libre currency: Use platforms or local campaigns to rally members around projects such as community gardens, alternative schools or renewable energy solutions.
- Cooperatives and pooling: Encourage the creation of cooperative structures where economic decisions are made collectively, in line with the principles of the libre currency.
7. Resilience in the face of traditional economic systems
The libre economy must also prepare to coexist with traditional economic systems and respond to the challenges that follow.
- Mixed strategies: Allow transactions combining libre currency and fiat money to ease the transition for new users or businesses.
- Strengthening the web of trust: Increase the number of certified and active members to ensure the network’s stability and growth.