Scenario D
Hermes,
the Myth of Speed
where command-and-control policies keep a fluid society in check
the Myth of Speed
Power and politics drive a dynamic, fluid, fast-paced societal change. But governments do not delegate power to society or to lower levels of governments; they retain power. Policies seek the empowerment of individuals, in a liberal progressive approach. Equity remains an objective but is dealt with at the individual level. Collective organisations are promoted only when they cannot be avoided. In terms of urban governance, cities are supported as engines of economic growth, valuing the agglomeration effect at its maximum.
A change in direction from traditional market thinking demands a more active role for governments to act in the public interest. New indicators “beyond GDP” are championed by various actors, with different status, objectives and visions (environmentalist and activist movements, civil society and local policies, national and international institutions).
People now prefer well-being to GDP growth as an indicator for measuring progress.