About us

Established in October 2018, the Club of Brussels is a think-tank for economic transition that proposes concrete action. Although recent, the organisation’s "systemic approach" has been formulated and introduced in Belgium over the past fifteen years by Michel de Kemmeter, an influential thinker, author and Belgian entrepreneur.

There are 3 main reasons why the Club of Brussels exists today.

1. A HISTORICAL NECESSITY

Global cumulative debt has reached unprecedented levels in history: from $ 80 billion to $ 287 trillion in less than 20 years. At the same time, we must respond simultaneously to more than twenty major historical issues : demographic (aging population, migration), social (growing inequality, exclusion and revolt: Gilet jaunes and young people protesting ambitious climate policy), economic (upcoming crashes, disruption of the job market, new skills and education, digitalization), political (populism, unpopular leaders), environmental (global warming).

We are de facto in a fragile situation, a pivotal moment, potentially at the dawn of a crisis encompassing all the system. These historical challenges can not be solved by some isolated reforms. The magnitude of accumulated debt requires the advent of multiple solutions, a new paradigm, and a triple growth in awareness by citizens, businesses, and governments. This historic moment requires the involvement of the entire social body. A historic opportunity for economic transition and systemic changes. The Club of Brussels proposes ideas and solutions in order to rethink the fundamentals of our economy.

2. A GEOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITY

Brussels is the ideal location to develop and implement this new systemic and holistic economy that focuses on people as its main concern. Because of its geographic position, Brussels plays an important role and can be a pioneer when it comes to new ways of thinking and acting. This is because as the European capital it benefits from a high concentration of specialists, key institutions and embassies.

3. WE NEED TO HAVE A NEW SCHOOL OF ECONOMIC THOUGHT

Thousands of studies have already been made on the economic transition, but they only take on a partial perspective. What the Club of Brussels does differently is to integrate everything as a whole.

We are projecting an economic vision of 5 to 10 years, by analysing job loss and creation, and facilitating the emergence of new economic spaces. We’re writing the roadbook to help governments resist global recession. Social, digital, sharing, collaborative, green and circular economies are all major players in the next chapter of economic thought.

Christian Ghymers, professor of economics at ICHEC, explains why it is important to have a think-tank like the Club of Brussels.

What is it like to actually participate in the Club of Brussels?  Watch and find out !

The Club of Brussels is part of Wise Holding (registered under Otherways SCRL).

Practical information

Website:
wiseholding.net

VAT:
BE-0442806978

Office:
Avenue de Broqueville 12,
1150 Woluwé-Saint-Pierre,
Brussels

Headquarters:
Rue Cruchenère 80,
B-1457 Walhain

Our Partners

Organisations

Each month, we publish our results in the Belgian newspaper L'Echo. They summarize what has been discussed by the various experts taking part in our workshops and help spread our message.

Our partners include Spinel Advisory, P2P Foundation, Benelux, Partena, Graydon, Agoria, UWE, Federgon, Province du Brabant Wallon, INBW, ADEB, LN24, Hub Africa, ICCN, Vesalius College, BDO Africa, and Actiris.

People

Some of our participants and mentors include Professor Christian Ghymers, Michel Bauwens, Rob Hopkins, Pierre Cattoire and Marc Vossen.