From collective interest through ‘solidarity perimeters’ up to social economy and common welfare: which new or further research lines?

This short paper looks how transdisciplinary scientific thinking around the concepts of commons, common interest and collective economy evolved over the last three decades at international level. It also suggests to revisit and/or deepen some research avenues around notions and societal constructs going back to as far as Ancient Egypt. After some consideration about the various understandings of the concepts, the contribution first depicts various lines of thought around them, notably developed by an international scientific network of practitioners, experts and researchers, CIRIEC (International Centre of Information and Research on Public, Social and Cooperative Economy). Combining scientific research and practical approaches in studying organizations and forms of governance serving the collective interest allows gaining further insight on commons and public goods. This approach also integrates modernised content of commons such as open access or shared resources and knowledge. This contribution then shows how collective action by various stakeholders, including researchers, can bring about changes in public policies, including at world level, reaching up to the United Nations. To enhance such policy-oriented action and outcome, the full potential of the social economy, public goods and commons needs to be better understood and showcased. Finally, various insufficiently investigated areas are listed, in order to motivate further research and publication. This is notably what this scientific journal aims at.