This book tackles the terms under which a knowledge-based society can indefinitely improve while pursuing an eco-economic steady state. In doing so, it addresses the literature gap on continued social improvement within a postgrowth economic and cultural paradigm.

Carrillo consolidates research on the degrowth paradigm and proposes a conceptual framework for continued social improvement based on the integration of tangible and intangible collective value. He proposes a method that accounts for effective social value through capital systems valuation and development and includes this operational metric system as an alternative to the metric of Gross National Product (GNP). The book critically examines the challenges of identifying a complete and consistent representation of total social value. The book also includes a series of knowledge-based development programs in cities and regions around the world and discusses policies and practices for urban mitigation and adaptation to the Anthropocene.

This transdisciplinary book will be of particular interest to researchers of degrowth economics, sustainable development, and urban planning.