Reviving the commons? A scoping review of urban and digital commoning

This report explores the contemporary revival of commoning practices in urban and digital contexts. The authors, James Henderson and Oliver Escobar, delve into the historical roots, current manifestations, and future potential of the commons as a paradigm for socioeconomic transformation, democratic innovation and sustainable community governance.

The review aims to contribute to the growing discourse on the commons, highlighting its significance in contemporary societies and its potential as an alternative to traditional forms of socioeconomic and political organisation via the state and/or the market. Practitioners in the field argue that we are witnessing a revival of the commons in the 21st century. This report interrogates the nature of that revival and explores key concepts, examples, trends and debates in theory and practice, while outlining an emerging research agenda.

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