At Intelligent Futures, we believe the "common good" isn't just an abstract ideal—it’s a measurable, actionable goal. But how do we ensure that the ideas, initiatives, and projects we support truly create lasting, positive change?
To answer this, we've developed five tests that help evaluate whether something advances equity, sustainability, and prosperity for all. These tests serve as a lens for both public and organizational impact, guiding decision-making that benefits both people and the planet.
By applying these five tests, we move beyond good intentions and towards real, measurable progress. Here’s why each test matters—and how they help us build a more just, resilient, and thriving future.
Does it expand benefits to all, especially those who are marginalized or underrepresented? Does it reduce inequalities across social, economic, or geographic lines?
A society that prioritizes equity, inclusivity, and human dignity is stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous. Democracy thrives when all people can fully participate, and human-centric systems that celebrate diversity and foster empathy lead to better decision-making, stronger institutions, and more innovative solutions. When opportunities are broadly accessible—regardless of background, income, or identity—economic growth accelerates, social cohesion strengthens, and communities become safer and healthier. A commitment to human dignity ensures that everyone has the agency to shape their future and contribute meaningfully. Inclusivity isn’t just about addressing inequalities—it’s about actively designing systems that value diverse perspectives and create a shared sense of belonging for all.
Inclusive Economies Are Stronger Economies. Inclusive economies expand opportunities for more broadly shared prosperity, leading to increased economic output. Research shows that increased workforce participation by women and people of colour between 1960 and 2010 contributed up to 40% of US GDP growth. The World Bank estimates that eliminating the gender gap in employment and entrepreneurship could increase global GDP by more than 20%.
Equity strengthens social stability. Inclusion fosters trust, reduces crime, and builds more engaged societies. Countries with high inequality experience more violent crime and political instability, while those that invest in marginalized communities see crime rates decline. Moreover, persistent inequality erodes trust in institutions, weakens democratic participation, and increases susceptibility to authoritarian governance. Addressing inequality not only enhances public safety but also strengthens governance and economic resilience.
Equity improves health outcomes and well-being. Equity is a powerful driver of better health outcomes and overall well-being. A more equitable society ensures broader access to healthcare, fair income distribution, and supportive social policies—all of which contribute to a healthier population. While reducing inequality is essential, research shows that poverty, systemic barriers, and access to public health services play an even greater role in shaping life expectancy and long-term health. Addressing these interconnected factors is key to building a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Diverse teams and inclusive systems drive innovation. The most innovative economies and businesses embrace diversity as a strategic advantage. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found a strong correlation between diversity in management teams and innovation. Companies with above-average diversity on their management teams reported 45% of total revenue from innovation, compared to just 26% for those with below-average diversity. Meanwhile, teams that bring together different perspectives make better decisions 87% of the time.
Inclusive businesses perform better. Inclusive businesses are more profitable and competitive, with companies in the top quartile for gender diversity being 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability, and those with high ethnic diversity seeing a 36% greater likelihood of financial outperformance. Beyond financial gains, diverse workplaces foster higher employee engagement, innovation, and retention, reducing turnover costs and improving decision-making. Companies that fail to embrace diversity face growing risks, as those in the bottom quartile for gender diversity are 19% more likely to underperform financially
Does it protect or enhance the natural environment? Does it promote resilience and ensure future generations can thrive?
A healthy environment is fundamental to human dignity, economic stability, and social well-being. The natural world provides essential resources—clean air, water, and food—yet climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution threaten these foundations. When ecosystems are degraded, extreme weather intensifies, supply chains are disrupted, and public health risks multiply, increasing displacement, conflict, and inequality. Rising temperatures and habitat destruction weaken economies and democratic institutions, deepening instability. Environmental stewardship is not just about conservation—it’s about building resilient economies, healthier populations, and stronger communities. Societies that prioritize sustainability create long-term prosperity, public trust, and economic security, while those that neglect it face mounting crises that erode stability and opportunity. A thriving planet supports thriving people, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where they can live, work, and innovate without the existential threat of environmental collapse.
Environmental stewardship strengthens economies. A stable climate and well-managed natural resources are key drivers of economic resilience. Climate-related disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, resulted in $368 billion in global economic losses in 2024 alone. The projections of the value of the green economy indicate a significant upward trajectory driven by an increasing global emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. As of mid-2023, the market capitalization of green companies has rebounded to exceed its 2021 average, accounting for over 9% of the total equity market, following a challenging period in 2022 marked by high inflation and geopolitical tensions. This rebound reflects a broader commitment to green initiatives as investors and consumers alike prioritize sustainability. Looking forward, revenues from publicly listed green companies are anticipated to exceed US$5 trillion by 2025, highlighting the robust growth potential within this sector.
Environmental protection safeguards public health. A degraded environment is a direct threat to human health. Air pollution contributes to nearly 7 million premature deaths per year. Water contamination leads to the spread of deadly diseases, and exposure to toxic chemicals increases the risk of cancers and neurological disorders. Water contamination leads to the spread of deadly diseases, and exposure to toxic chemicals increases the risk of cancers and neurological disorders.
Biodiversity loss poses a significant threat to human health. The decline of ecosystems reduces access to medicinal resources, increases the spread of vector-borne diseases, and disrupts food production. The WHO warns that biodiversity loss can exacerbate health crises and even contribute to political conflict. According to the WHO’s Epidemic and Pandemic Information Network (EPI-WIN), 70–80% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic (transmitted from animals to humans), driven by human actions like deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution. These changes disrupt ecosystems, increasing the likelihood of diseases transferring from animals to humans, as seen with COVID-19 and other pandemics. Protecting biodiversity reduces the risk of future pandemics and strengthens global health security.
A healthy planet enhances social stability. Environmental degradation and climate change are key drivers of displacement, conflict, and inequality. By 2050, over 200 million people could be forced to migrate due to climate-related disasters and resource scarcity. Competition over dwindling resources fuels social tensions and economic instability. Countries and communities that invest in climate adaptation and resilience planning will be better equipped to manage these disruptions and maintain social cohesion.
Environmental resilience secures the future. Stewardship today ensures that future generations inherit a world capable of supporting human and ecological well-being. Protecting biodiversity, reducing emissions, and restoring ecosystems builds resilience against climate shocks and secures food and water supplies. It is estimated that for every dollar invested in restoration activities, there is a $7-30 return in economic benefits.
Environmental stewardship is not just about conservation—it is an economic, social, and public health necessity. A thriving environment supports resilient economies, safeguards human health, and reduces conflict and displacement. By prioritizing sustainability, we create a future where both people and the planet can flourish together.
Does it improve physical, mental, and social well-being? Does it create healthier, safer, and more connected communities where people can thrive?
Well-being is the heart of a flourishing society. When people feel healthy in body and mind, safe in their environments, and connected to others, they are empowered to contribute fully to their communities. Safety fosters trust and stability, allowing people to engage confidently in public life. Health is the foundation of opportunity, enabling individuals to learn, work, and participate in society. Strong social connections build resilience, providing the support systems that help communities navigate challenges and celebrate successes together. By prioritizing well-being, we create spaces where people don’t just survive—they thrive. When communities are healthy, safe, and connected, they become more vibrant, inclusive, and adaptable, laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity and the common good.
Social connections enhance resilience and longevity. Individuals with strong social ties are 50% more likely to live longer compared to those with weaker connections. Connected communities are better equipped to respond to crises, support vulnerable populations, and foster a sense of belonging that enhances overall quality of life. Social cohesion reduces crime, increases civic engagement, and contributes to safer, more supportive environments.
Well-being drives economic performance. When individuals are physically and mentally healthy, they are more productive, creative, and engaged in their work and communities. Poor mental health alone is projected to cost the global economy $6 trillion by 2030, surpassing the GDP of most countries. Investing in health and wellness not only improves individual lives but also strengthens economies by reducing healthcare costs, increasing productivity, and fostering innovation.
Healthier communities are more adaptable and prosperous. When well-being is prioritized, communities can better withstand economic, environmental, and social challenges. Access to healthcare, safe environments, and opportunities for social engagement create a foundation for sustained growth and resilience. By fostering well-being, we ensure that individuals and communities alike have the resources and support needed to thrive now and into the future. Research indicates that community resilience is associated with reduced mortality rates, lower economic losses, and improved mental health among populations facing adversity. Enhancing day-to-day health and well-being reduces the negative impacts of disasters.
Investing in employee well-being leads to improved organizational performance. Research shows that employees in good physical, mental, and emotional health are more likely to deliver optimal performance in the workplace. Healthy and happy employees have a better quality of life, a lower risk of disease and injury, increased work productivity, and a greater likelihood of contributing to their communities than employees with poorer well-being. Organizations that prioritize employee well-being can see productivity gains worth up to $7,000 per employee annually.
Does it create widespread economic opportunity? Does it foster innovation, financial security, and shared prosperity?
A strong and resilient economy depends on broad-based prosperity, financial security, and innovation that benefits all—from individuals and families to businesses and entire communities. True economic resilience is not just about growth but about creating systems that support opportunity, stability, and environmental sustainability while upholding human dignity. When economic opportunities are concentrated in the hands of a few, growth stagnates, social mobility declines, and financial instability increases. Conversely, when people have access to meaningful work, fair wages, and opportunities for entrepreneurship, they are better equipped to adapt to challenges and contribute to vibrant, sustainable economies. Prosperity cannot come at the expense of people or the planet—economic activities that exploit workers or deplete natural resources may generate short-term gains but ultimately weaken the foundations of long-term resilience. A truly prosperous society aligns economic growth with environmental stewardship and social well-being, ensuring that people, businesses, and ecosystems can thrive together for future generations.
Shared prosperity strengthens economies. Fair competition and inclusive economic policies drive long-term prosperity by fostering innovation, productivity, and poverty reduction. The World Bank defines shared prosperity as the income growth of the bottom 40% of a population, emphasizing that economies with equitable income distribution experience greater resilience and sustained growth. Competition enhances economic opportunity by boosting firm efficiency, increasing innovation, and raising labour income, which has been the primary driver of poverty reduction in most economies. Policies that support education, fair wages, and open markets strengthen the middle class, fueling consumer spending and ensuring long-term economic stability.
Equitable Societies Are More Stable and Prosperous. Equitable societies experience higher levels of trust, social cohesion, and overall happiness. Research indicates that people in more equal societies are more likely to trust each other, engage in social and civic participation, and report higher levels of happiness (The Equality Trust). Economic policies that prioritize equity also improve public health outcomes. Ensuring fair wages, healthcare access, and community development strengthens resilience against economic shocks, preventing long-term stagnation and instability. For example, a study by the World Bank found that reducing gender disparities in employment and entrepreneurship could increase global GDP by more than 20%. The World Bank highlights that closing the gender gap in employment and entrepreneurship could significantly boost global GDP, as discriminatory laws and practices continue to hinder women's full participation in the workforce.
Inclusive Growth Enhances Economic Resilience. Economies that prioritize inclusive growth—ensuring that the benefits of economic expansion are widely shared—demonstrate greater resilience to shocks. These economies build a more skilled and adaptable workforce capable of navigating economic disruptions by investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights that such investments not only promote social equity but also strengthen the capacity of economies to endure significant shocks and face long-term challenges.
Improved well-being and happiness. Living in more equitable societies, a goal of shared prosperity, leads to increased health, stability, and happiness for everyone, representing the actual goal of development beyond economic metrics. People in communities with strong social safety nets report higher life satisfaction and stronger resilience during crises.
Does it create lasting change that will continue to benefit people and places well into the future? Does it help future generations thrive rather than leaving them to solve today’s problems?
The most meaningful change doesn’t just solve immediate challenges—it sets the stage for long-term success, shaping a future that is more resilient, equitable, and sustainable. Too often, decisions prioritize short-term gains, driven by political cycles, market pressures, or immediate concerns, leaving future generations to bear the burden of unintended consequences. When long-term thinking is absent, societies become vulnerable to economic instability, environmental degradation, and widening inequities that erode social cohesion and weaken overall resilience. A commitment to foresight, responsible governance, and sustainability is essential to ensuring that today’s progress serves not just the present but also the generations to come. This requires leaders to look beyond quick fixes and incremental improvements, embracing bold, forward-thinking strategies that anticipate future challenges and opportunities. By embedding long-term planning into decision-making at all levels—whether in government policies, corporate strategies, or community initiatives—societies can build adaptive, inclusive, and prosperous economies that thrive over time. When decision-makers embrace a long-term perspective, they create a foundation for innovation, economic stability, and environmental stewardship, ensuring that progress is not just temporary but enduring. By prioritizing sustainability and resilience, communities can foster a legacy of stability, opportunity, and well-being rather than uncertainty, crisis, and reactive problem-solving.
Sustained Impact Builds Stronger Communities. Communities that integrate long-term thinking into education, healthcare, and infrastructure foster economic stability and improved quality of life. Research shows that investments in early childhood education yield a return of $4 to $9 for every dollar invested, through higher earnings, better health, and reduced crime. Similarly, strategic urban planning and regional development enhance economic resilience by creating sustainable, inclusive cities.
Future-Focused Decisions Prevent Today’s Problems from Becoming Tomorrow’s Crises. Short-sighted decision-making contributes to today’s most pressing crises—climate change, economic inequality, and resource depletion. The World Bank identified that investing in more resilient infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries can yield significant benefits. Specifically, for every $1 invested, there is an average of $4 in benefits, totalling a net benefit of $4.2 trillion over the lifetime of new infrastructure assets. Additionally, the World Bank Group and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) estimates that investing $1.8 trillion globally in five target areas from 2020 to 2030 could produce $7.1 trillion in total benefits. These areas include early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, improved dryland agriculture crop production, global mangrove protection, and projects to make water resources more resilient.
Legacy Thinking Shapes the World We Leave Behind. What we build today determines the opportunities, challenges, and realities that future generations inherit. Initiatives that restore ecosystems, establish strong social safety nets, and foster economic opportunity leave behind a legacy of progress rather than burdens of debt, pollution, and inequality. Research shows that intergenerational equity policies contribute to long-term economic stability by ensuring that future generations inherit resilient infrastructure and social systems.
Long-Term Thinking Encourages Smart Adaptation. A truly resilient future requires adaptability to evolving challenges. Just as the best urban plans incorporate flexibility for growth and change, organizations and governments must embed continuous learning and strategic foresight into decision-making. Sustainable urban development frameworks and resilience-based adaptation strategies enable cities to address climate risks, social inequities, and economic uncertainties. Long-term investments in social infrastructure and environmental protection also improve economic resilience and overall well-being.
By embracing long-term impact and legacy thinking, we ensure that today’s decisions create prosperous, resilient, and equitable societies. Future generations should not have to solve the problems we can prevent now. Investing in sustainability, inclusive growth, and intergenerational equity leads to stronger communities, more stable economies, and a planet capable of supporting thriving societies for centuries to come.
The Five Tests of the Common Good provide a practical way to evaluate whether ideas, initiatives, and projects truly contribute to a better future. By applying this framework, we can move beyond surface-level impact and ensure that our efforts lead to meaningful, lasting change. Whether expanding equity, protecting the environment, improving well-being, fostering shared prosperity, or creating a legacy of positive transformation, these tests help us stay accountable to the bigger picture.
At Intelligent Futures, we believe that real progress happens when we ask the right questions and challenge ourselves to do better. By embedding these principles into decision-making, we can create solutions that don’t just serve today’s needs but build a thriving, resilient world for generations to come.
To access the full Orange Paper, please enter your name and email address, and we’ll send you a download link.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
