A Basic Income is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-test or work requirement.

UBIdata: Data for Basic Income Research and Policy

At its most recent congress, BIEN launched UBIdata, an innovative new tool with a mission to match reliable information about basic income with a rapidly growing global user base of individuals and organisations eager to learn more. UBIdata gathers, processes and...

Rentier Capitalism, the Precariat and Basic Income for China

Throughout history, capitalism has evolved, changing character and changing the class structure defining each era. The changes in the 20th century can be understood by reference to what Karl Polanyi called the Great Transformation. Briefly, in his formulation, in the 19th century, mainly in Britain, there was an initial period in the evolution of industrial capitalism that was dominated by financial capital, in which old systems of distribution, regulation and social protection were dismantled, in what we would call the pursuit of a ‘free market economy’. 

Taiwan Makes History with Universal Cash Payment Plan

Taiwan is making history by sending out a one-time universal cash payment of $6,000 New Taiwan dollars (NTD) to every citizen “young and old.” This is the first time the country has implemented such a policy, and it comes as a result of excess tax revenue of $450...

Join Hands & Hearts With BIEN

A convergence of various circumstances in the 21st century has made a Basic Income policyan achievable goal. Discussions and policy debates about Basic Income are taking place in countries across the world. We see this as an incredible opportunity for BIEN to...

This South Korean Presidential Election is Vital

There are rare moments when a combination of threatening circumstances leads to a wonderful transformation that only a short time before would have been unimaginable. This year may be such a moment. The Republic of Korea could set an example to the world that would...

The Royal Society of Arts Explains: [2 minutes]

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BIEN Congresses

Basic Income, Solidarity Economy and Social Protection

The 24th BIEN CONGRESS in Maricá & Niterói – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 27-29 August 2025

Maricá provides unconditional transfers to almost half of its population.  7 other cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro have already created their own local currencies inspired by Maricá’s Citizens Basic Income.  Our other host city, Niterói provides transfers benefiting more than 100,000 individuals.

Pre-congress events: Latin America Day: 25 Aug. & Early Career Day: 26 Aug.

Call for Papers Announcement: Nov. 2024

Linkedin & Instagrambiencongress25 (at) gmail [dot] com

BIEN2024 was August 29–31 (Pictures and more coming soon)

Papers, pictures, and videos from BIEN2023.


Basic Income

A Basic Income is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-test or work requirement. Read more


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Recent News, Opinion, and Research

Can Universal Basic Income really improve mental health?

Can Universal Basic Income really improve mental health?

Photo: Skorzewiak/shutterstock.comRecent UBI trials reveal that guaranteed income provides immediate mental health relief, but sustaining long-term benefits may depend on lasting economic security. Interest is surging in the idea of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) – a...

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New report on the Ethics of Basic Income Piloting

New report on the Ethics of Basic Income Piloting

Increasing calls for reform to welfare provision have seen growing support for basic income (BI) - the unconditional provision of cash transfers to all. As a result, recent years have seen an exponential increase in the number of pilot experiments of BI, across all...

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New podcast features an episode on UBI

New podcast features an episode on UBI

In the first first episode of Responsa Cast, the host, Paulo Sodré, is joined by Jurgen De Wispelaere, a Belgian political theorist turned public policy scholar, specializing in the political economy of UBI. He’s a Visiting Fellow at the University of Bath (UK) and...

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New UN report calls for UBI

New UN report calls for UBI

Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash Olivier De Schutter, UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, sent me his most recent report (attached). As you will see, §§ 54-57 contain a strong plea for UBI. To view the report, click here.

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