The Economy of Communion (EOC) was launched by Chiara Lubich in Brazil in 1991 and now involves hundreds of business enterprises all over the globe. 
The entrepreneurs who freely adhere to this project choose to align their business philosophy with the guidelines promoted by a culture of sharing as opposed to a culture of having. Profits are divided into three portions, each of which is equally important, namely: 

to help persons in difficulty - starting from those who share the spirit of the initiative - by creating new jobs and assisting them in their basic needs; 

to spread the "culture of giving" and of love, without which it would not be possible to make the Economy of Communion a reality; 

to develop the business, keeping it profitable and open to a spirit of giving.

So what's new? 

The EOC is an offshoot of the spirituality of communion practiced in economic and civic life. 
It strives to join efficiency and solidarity. 
It helps create business parks also aimed at transforming economic behavior. 
It proposes reciprocity and fraternal exchange as ways to combat poverty.

Already more than 100 master's theses examined the subject. A large number of academic seminars have been held as well scientific reviews written, in an effort to understand the secret of these businesses which have proven to be competitive in a globalized market, and yet their economic activity has a human face and is grounded on the conviction that all levels of business relationships matter. 

Could this be a new road opening up? Is it a new branch of an old tradition? Are these businesses an exception, or can this economic system become the rule in a global market that puts survival ahead of solidarity?

For further information on the EOC - its history, its philosophy, the culture of giving, data, academic publications, theses published, business parks, the spirituality from which it originates... 

- visit our website: www.edc-online.org. Enjoy your trip into a novel economic system that holds hope for the future!