We strongly believe in the pressing need to shift away from an economic model, which is reliant on perpetual growth and ever increasing consumption.  A move toward sustainable development and systems thinking is inevitable in order not to compromise the future of generations to come.  

Due to global resource constraints, China and other developing nations can not embark on the same path that the United States or Western Europe have historically taken to achieve their prevalent living standards. Yet, raising living standards for their citizens is one of the highest priorities for most governments. Levels of income and consumption are generally used to measure the standard of living. Most strategies are thus geared toward stimulating growth and increasing consumption with little regard to the long-term sustainability of such an approach and its suitability to actually improve quality of life. As quality of life is dependent on maintaining our living environment in social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and ecological balance, we advocate switching focus from fostering consumption-based growth to finding more appropriate ways to increase quality of life. 

Since the beginning of 2009 our Venture Laboratory work thus aims to incubate and support alternative sustainable business initiatives with a focus on improving quality of life in China and beyond.

We recognize the complex interdependency of economic, social, and environmental questions that need to be addressed in order to be truly sustainable.  Projects that we support therefore should

• deliver benefits to all its stakeholders, i.e. anyone who is influenced, either directly or indirectly, by the project,
• have a net positive effect on the environment,
• and have the potential to generate financial returns to its investors in the medium to long term.

Once a concept or opportunity is identified, we develop business-plans, recruit strategic and operational partners, and if needed, find additional outside investors.  We launch the project, develop and set up processes and management structures.  While a project needs to have the ability to generate profits, its financial performance is just one measure of success along with its environmental and social impact.