Research Outline

I.  Preliminary Foundations.

   1.  Definitions and Conceptual Framework.

      A.  Commons Capitalism and CCEs.

            1.  Commons Capitalism Definition. Commons Capitalism is best described as a viable hybrid economic system that defies the traditional labels of both capitalism³ and socialism.⁴ It combines the profit-making and competitive mechanisms of capitalism with a model in which net profits are managed as a common-pool resource.⁵ This design enables the equitable distribution of business wealth among past, present, and future workers, enriches communities through tiered redistribution, and effectively reduces the concentration of wealth among the economic elite.¹

            2.  Commons Capitalism Enterprise Definition. A Commons Capitalism Entity (CCE) consists of a dual-structured organization: a nonprofit corporation⁸, designated the “commons corporation” that has no shareholders, members, or any other stakeholders combined with a wholly owned for-profit subsidiary (structured as a corporation or limited liability company⁷). A single commons corporation may oversee more than one subsidiary entity. In this arrangement, the commons corporation retains title to all the capital assets⁹, including the means of production,⁶ and the earned surplus¹⁰—or net profits—all of which are held in the “commons” with a portion of the net profits to be distributed among past, present, and future workers.²

      B.  Distinction from Other Systems.

      C.  Historical Evolution and Origins.

   2.  Theoretical Underpinnings.

      A.  Elinor Ostrom’s Commons Theory.

      B.  Institutional Analysis & Development (IAD) Framework.

      C   Economic Multipliers and Local Impact.

      D.  Commons-Based Peer Production (CBPP).

   3.  Legal and Organizational Forms.

      A.  Nonprofit Parent Corporation.

      B.  For-Profit Subsidiaries.

      C.  Hybrid Models and Jurisdictional Variants.

   4.  Financial Architecture and Accounting.

      A.  Profit Accounting and Auditing.

      B.  Tiered Redistribution Formulas.

      C.  Financial Instruments and Reporting.

II.  Priority Functional Areas of CCEs.

   1.  Entity Design and Governance.

      A.  Governance Bodies and Roles.

      B.  Rule-Making and Amendment Processes.

      C.  Conflict Resolution and Sanctions.

   2.  Profit-Pool Management.

      A.  Common-Pool Design Principles.

      B.  Automated Distribution Platforms.

      C.  Reserve Funds and Contingency Planning.

   3.  Worker Rights, Vesting and Benefits.

      A.  Eligibility and Vesting Schedules.

      B.  Benefit Disbursement Mechanisms.

      C.  Fiduciary Duties and Oversight.

   4.  Compliance, Risk Management, and Transparency.

      A.  Regulatory Landscape.

      B.  Internal and External Audits.

      C.  Reporting, and  Open Data.

III. Implementation and Scaling.

   1.  Impact Measurement and Evaluation.

      A.  Economic Metrics.

      B.  Social and Environmental Indicators.

      C.  Case Studies and Pilots.

   2.  Sectoral and Geographical Scaling.

      A.  Industry Adaptations.

      B.  Cross-Border Legal Harmonization.

      C  Replication Playbook.