Co-emerging Economies is a research trajectory initiated by Philips and Baltan Laboratories. For this research trajectory, Reon Brand and Olga Mink are interrogating different points of view on future change. In the research, they reflect on three economic future directions; the Techno-centric Economy in which technological progress can save humanity even if nature is compromised. The Resource-centric Economy which revolves around the notion of the circular economy/sustainable consumption to safeguard the planet while ensuring human prosperity, and the Eco-entangled Economy, putting the needs of the planet above our own, by adopting a way of living that reverses the human footprint, & regenerates healthy planet ecosystems. For this research trajectory experts are interviewed about perspectives inspired on the Co-emerging Futures model by Reon Brand.

This interview as part of Economia lab was held with Dr. Koert van Mensvoort, director of Next Nature Network. Koert van Mensvoort is an artist and philosopher best known for his work on the philosophical concept of Next Nature, which revolves around the idea that our technological environment has become so complex, omnipresent and autonomous that it is best perceived as a nature of its own. It is his aim to better understand our co-evolutionary relationship with technology and help set out a track towards a future that is rewarding for both humankind and the planet at large. He received a MSc in computer sciences from Eindhoven University of Technology, a MFA from the Sandberg Institute, Masters of Rietveld Academy, Amsterdam and a PhD in industrial design from Eindhoven University of Technology.