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

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

Call for Papers Announcement: Nov. 2024

Linkedin, Instagram, X  – biencongress25 (at) gmail [dot] com

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


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

Basic Income in Malaysia

Basic Income in Malaysia

The Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) has collaborated with Prof Geoffrey Williams, a Malaysian-based economist and Basic Income advocate, to share their collective vision of a Basic Income in the Malaysian context. Involved with the collaboration from BIEN were our...

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Unconditional: The film

Unconditional: The film

Unconditional is a film created at the University of Bath that is focused on the prosperity of communities that sprouted from pilots basic income projects in India and Bangladesh. The strategy of basic income plus — not only providing direct cash but also community...

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Doing Bitcoin the Basic Income Way

Doing Bitcoin the Basic Income Way

Photo by Traxer on Unsplash "...there are on the horizon two radical ideas that have the potential to create synergy which can revolutionize the way we are currently addressing the income vulnerability and different forms of deprivation in the world today. The two...

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Guaranteed Income Works in Tacoma, Washington

Guaranteed Income Works in Tacoma, Washington

"This month, researchers released independent data for Tacoma, WA. A partnership with the City of Tacoma, the United Way of Pierce County, and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, the Growing Resilience In Tacoma (GRIT) pilot focused on families that are considered...

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New publication on Iran’s UBI

New publication on Iran’s UBI

Photo by Sina Drakshani via Unsplash "Despite growing interest in Universal Basic Income (UBI), evidence of its impact remains limited. To address this gap, a new paper examines household behavior three years after Iran’s 2010 reform, which replaced energy subsidies...

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Oregon Rebate UBI ballot measure fails

Oregon Rebate UBI ballot measure fails

Oregon's universal basic income measure failed, with 78.8% of voters opposing the policy. The measure proposed giving $1,600 annually to state residents, funded by a corporate tax increase. Basic income programs have been tried across the US as an approach to poverty...

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Denver Basic Income Project Impact Report published

Denver Basic Income Project Impact Report published

Note: This project does not meet BIEN's definition of basic income. The 2024 Denver Basic Income Project Impact Report is a comprehensive look at how the project has transformed lives and empowered over 800 individuals experiencing homelessness. To date, DBIP has...

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