In search of alternatives, globalists, from the right to the left, stress the necessity to solve global problems via global solutions, even acknowledging that they are improbable, while others insist on local and grassroots solutions, even at a time of increased exclusionary policies. The best way to leave behind related futile strategic debates is to overcome spatial fetishism, especially the temptation to privilege, either politically or morally, a certain spatial scale.

However, policy space differs according to scale and according to the specific insertion into the transnational division of labor. Therefore, in order to formulate a socially and ecologically sustainable development strategy, the socio-spatial context needs to be critically reflected. This is valid for any national or European industrial policy strategy but especially if the stimulation of local development is the main objective. Community Wealth Being represents an innovative example of the latter that seeks to strengthen self-reliance by increasing local policy space. Like the foundational economy and New Municipalism it offers alternatives “from below” against the turmoil caused by neoliberal globalization.