The Doughnut Theory, developed by the economist Kate Raworth, proposes a new economic paradigm that balances the fulfillment of human needs with the respect for environmental boundaries. This concept aligns with the regenerative model of Regg3, which aims at creating sustainable value based on social and biophysical KPIs. Both models promote a systemic transformation in order to build a more equitable and regenerative future.

In her book Doughnut Economics, Raworth proposes an economic model visualized as a doughnut. In this model the inner circle symbolizes essential human needs, such as food, health, education, and access to fundamental resources. Instead, the outer circle of the doughnut represents the environmental limits that must not be transcended, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and degradation of the ecosystem.

The main goal of this theory is to ensure that humanity thrives in a "safe and just space," which corresponds to the area between the inner and outer circles of the doughnut. This space represents the condition in which it is possible to meet fundamental human needs without compromising the planet's resources and health. In other words, Raworth's proposal aims to establish a balance between human needs and the Earth's ability to sustain life.

Raworth critiques the idea of unlimited economic growth, proposing as an alternative a regenerative and dynamic approach that not only seeks to reduce damage but also actively aims to improve people's lives and the environment. In this mindset, actions must be oriented towards sustainability but also towards restoration and regeneration.

Regg3 has integrated the Doughnut Theory into its regenerative model, using a cell as a metaphor to represent the interconnection between biophysical and social indicators. Cells, as fundamental units, symbolize the interdependence in living systems. Regg3 applies this concept to organizations, analyzing 6 biophysical indicators and 6 social indicators to assess sustainability in specific territorial contexts. Cells regulate their behavior based on external signals in the same way as businesses must comply with environmental limits and ensure the well-being of citizens.

The idea of a "safe and just space" within an environmental boundary and a social foundation, developed by Raworth, is also integrated into the Regg3 model through the concept of contextual thresholds. Regg3 measures the impact of organizations it analyzes in relation to these thresholds. Indeed, the regenerative space is represented as a green area that lies above the threshold in the environmental dimension and below the threshold in the social dimension. It is in this space that regenerative value is created.

Both models present a holistic vision, integrating social and biophysical elements in assessing the impact of actions taken. The work of Kate Raworth and the Regg3 model offer a perspective on how to reshape the economy to actively contribute to socio-environmental regeneration, highlighting the importance of collective actions within an interconnected living system to ensure a sustainable future.