Institute for Economic Democracy (IED)

At the Institute for Economic Democracy, we promote employee ownership and participatory ownership culture, which empowers employees to think and act as owners. Our activities focus primarily on research and policy proposal development, ownership restructuring, the creation and implementation of training and development programs for key stakeholders, as well as awareness-raising and advocacy services for employee-owned companies. By introducing innovative models of employee ownership and participatory governance, we foster social justice, economic efficiency, social and environmental sustainability, worker dignity, and community-rooted business ownership. We aim to contribute to the creation... read more At the Institute for Economic Democracy, we promote employee ownership and participatory ownership culture, which empowers employees to think and act as owners. Our activities focus primarily on research and policy proposal development, ownership restructuring, the creation and implementation of training and development programs for key stakeholders, as well as awareness-raising and advocacy services for employee-owned companies. By introducing innovative models of employee ownership and participatory governance, we foster social justice, economic efficiency, social and environmental sustainability, worker dignity, and community-rooted business ownership. We aim to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable, competitive, inclusive, humane, and attractive economy for young people and talents, which fairly rewards work and innovation. Our efforts contribute to achieving various goals of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By promoting inclusive and participatory employee ownership models, we directly contribute to achieving the following goals: - no poverty - Goal #1, - decent work and economic growth - Goal #8, - reducing inequalities - Goal #10. At the same time as promoting employee ownership, we are creating conditions for greater - gender equality - Goal #5, - industry, innovation and infrastructure - Goal #9 and - climate action - Goal #13. Our efforts strongly reflect the fundamental human rights and values of the European Union, such as democracy (establishing democratic structures in companies, promoting active participation of employees in decision-making and co-management), social justice (ensuring equal opportunities and rights for employees, reducing inequality and creating a more balanced economy), the right to property (ensuring co-ownership of the product by the employees who create it), the right to decent work (involving employees in decisions related to their work and work environment), and workers' rights to information. Out of a greater need for support for companies deciding to transition to ESOPs we also started an initiative solastnik.si with the intention to offer comprehensive solutions that help Slovenian companies transform ownership into true partnership. With innovative, accessible, and comprehensive support, we ensure the transition to employee ownership that empowers employees, increases competitiveness, and ensures business stability. Visible effects include greater financial literacy among employees, improved cooperation between employees and management, and greater resilience of companies in times of economic challenges.