politics – Page 2 – Stephen Hinton Consulting

Latest on the Real Capital Framework

The Real Capital framework bridges the gap between scientific insights and policy-making. It critiques traditional economic models for undervaluing non-monetary assets (e.g., ecosystems, social systems) and proposes a methodology to quantify and manage Natural, Built, Human, and Social Capital for sustainable decision-making.

Where to Download the Methodology Briefing- applying the Real Capital Framework to influence policy

Communicating science to policy makers in a way they will understand and action science-based insights requires more than just presenting figures. The process is multi-layered, multi-dimensional and multi-discipline.

Our methodology briefing brings together all the tools needed to develop your abilities in this area.

Put Real Capital into national accounts, not just the money

In the face of ecological degradation, infrastructure stress, and social fragility, national budgets remain mired in outdated accounting frameworks. They report in money terms only, largely ignoring the real capacities that sustain economic life. But what if we treated the productive and regenerative capacities of Real Capital—ecosystems, infrastructure, human health, and institutional systems—as central to budgeting itself?

To talk science to policy you need to speak normative.

Are you a scientist who wants to influence policy? Or are you a consultant charged with writing reports as a basis for policy decisions? If so, we need to talk about normatives. If we, as scientists, want our work to actually influence policy or help guide practical decisions, then normatives are essential. This article breaks down what they are, why they matter, and how we can put them to good use in our work.

Real Capital supports Modern Monetary Theory

Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and Real Capital Frameworks both stress the importance of understanding the capacity of the economy to deliver, using real resources.

MMT demonstrates how the economic system works: a government budgets for a year at time, planning its expenditures and expected levels of tax returns. The expenditures are calculated on resources being available to purchase. Real Capital frameworks offer ways to measure production capability and capacity, and the status of the real capital that will be employed through the budget year. This article explores how MMT and real capital align.

Should we tax the rich more?

Much ado is being made (rightfully) on Gary Stephenson’s exhortations to tax the rich – all over the internet and BBC, getting people of all ilks to wade into the debate.

Workers! Don’t worry about the tariffs.We have nothing to lose but the miserable lives capitalism imposes

I am of a mind that this tariffs business is a kind of homeopathic medicine: where the medicine aggravates the symptom which is arising as a result of the body healing itself. Aggravating the symptoms forces the body to heal faster.

What are normative statements?

How to use normative statements, so science can speak to policy in terms they understand.

In the context of scientists communicating with policymakers, normatives are statements or guidelines that express how things should be, based on values or standards. They are used to frame recommended actions or standards by considering established values and desired outcomes. Essentially, normatives translate scientific findings into actionable recommendations aligned with societal values.