Universal basic income
This is a social concept that involves regular payment of a certain amount of money to each member of a certain community. Payments are made to all participants in the experiment personally, regardless of income level and without the need to perform work. Payments should be periodic, paid in cash to specific recipient, . The patron does not require to provide confirmation, certificates and documents; nor does he require to spend time at work.
The introduction of a universal basic income (hereinafter - UBI) should provide a decent standard of living, free up time for creativity and education, overcome the consequences of massive job loss due to the development of robotics, and become an alternative to the state social security system. People point out that two most compelling benefits of UBI are that it reduces social anxiety about meeting basic survival needs and it ensures that people have equal opportunities in life. The World Bank estimates that if payments are made to cover the income deficit, it would take about 4% of GDP to lift people out of poverty. At the same time, in Russia 16% of GDP is required for basic income. In general, the higher the standard of living in the country the higher percentage of GDP is required for basic income.
Introduction of a universal basic income currently requires participation of big business l (for financing non-state experiments) or the state (for experiments at the country level). The practice also encourages international cooperation and exchange of experience.
The introduction of a universal basic income (hereinafter - UBI) should provide a decent standard of living, free up time for creativity and education, overcome the consequences of massive job loss due to the development of robotics, and become an alternative to the state social security system. People point out that two most compelling benefits of UBI are that it reduces social anxiety about meeting basic survival needs and it ensures that people have equal opportunities in life. The World Bank estimates that if payments are made to cover the income deficit, it would take about 4% of GDP to lift people out of poverty. At the same time, in Russia 16% of GDP is required for basic income. In general, the higher the standard of living in the country the higher percentage of GDP is required for basic income.
Introduction of a universal basic income currently requires participation of big business l (for financing non-state experiments) or the state (for experiments at the country level). The practice also encourages international cooperation and exchange of experience.
Universal Problem
Global poverty: lack of ability to meet basic needs for food, drinking water and housing, primarily associated with a lack of funds among the population.
Solution
Introduction of a universal basic income in a form of payments to all citizens of the country with funds sufficient to meet the basic needs of survival. Cash is used from the money circulating in the economy to avoid inflation and reduce inequality by redistributing cash flows.
Target Image
In the future, all members of the community (state) will be provided with equal opportunities, social anxiety is removed, basic needs are satisfied, people have time and opportunity for self-realization, creativity and meaningful work that brings joy to individuals and benefits the society.
Experiment Framework
Fundamental principles of the UBI:
The experiments were carried out in India (2012-2013), Spain (2016), Finland (2017-2018) Canada (2018), Kenya (2018), Russia (2019) and some other countries. In many cases, the experiment was conducted with a control group, a random sample of recipients, and the results were monitored several times within 1-2 years after the end of the experiment. Experiments demonstrated that for countries with stable economies, the UBI does not affect the status (the unemployed and the employed, as a rule, did not change their status), but it brings positive changes in well-being and mood. In countries with a high proportion of poor people, basic income was the most important factor in choosing education and booking a doctor's appointment. In general, UBI recipients experienced fewer health problems, and were significantly more confident about their future and their ability to influence social problems, than the control group.
- Recurring payment: paid at regular intervals, not as a one-off payment
- Cash payment: Paid in cash, allowing those who receive it to decide what they will spend it on
- Individual Payment: Paid personally (not for family budget). The basic income of children under the age of 14 is usually transferred to their parents
- Universal payment: Paid to everyone, no confirmation is required
- Unconditional Payment: Paid without the need to complete work or demonstrate results of work
The experiments were carried out in India (2012-2013), Spain (2016), Finland (2017-2018) Canada (2018), Kenya (2018), Russia (2019) and some other countries. In many cases, the experiment was conducted with a control group, a random sample of recipients, and the results were monitored several times within 1-2 years after the end of the experiment. Experiments demonstrated that for countries with stable economies, the UBI does not affect the status (the unemployed and the employed, as a rule, did not change their status), but it brings positive changes in well-being and mood. In countries with a high proportion of poor people, basic income was the most important factor in choosing education and booking a doctor's appointment. In general, UBI recipients experienced fewer health problems, and were significantly more confident about their future and their ability to influence social problems, than the control group.
Tools and Technologies
- National database
- Budgeting instruments and banking instruments for distributing funds among citizens
- Fiscal policy to control excess profits
Scaling Plans
The experiments were carried out mainly on at the local level, due to their costs. It could potentially be scaled up to the country level (since payments are tied to the idea of citizenship).
In the post-coronavirus world, pilot projects for the introduction of UBI are planned in RSA, Bulgaria, Spain.
The research mainly focuses on the influence of the UBI on human behavior, their further participation in economic and social activities. Another relevant factor is the issue of organizing a basic income system at the state level, finding ways to transform fiscal policy.
In the post-coronavirus world, pilot projects for the introduction of UBI are planned in RSA, Bulgaria, Spain.
The research mainly focuses on the influence of the UBI on human behavior, their further participation in economic and social activities. Another relevant factor is the issue of organizing a basic income system at the state level, finding ways to transform fiscal policy.
Standards and Values
- Equal opportunity
- Overcoming poverty
- Socioeconomic and political transparency
- Self-realization of a person
Communities
- BIEN network uniting experiments in different countries
- UBIE is a network of activists that advocates for the implementation of Basic Income in Europe and its recognition as a universal human right
- Basic income Russia TOMORROW
