About Us

The Doughnut Model, developed by Oxford economist Kate Raworth, is a sustainability evaluation framework. It balances essential human needs (the social foundation) with planetary boundaries (the ecological ceiling). The safe and just space for humanity lies in the “doughnut” between these two limits. Falling short leads to deprivation; overshooting causes environmental harm. The model promotes a regenerative, distributive economy that respects both people and the planet. It has been applied in city planning, business strategies, and policy design to guide systemic transformation toward sustainability.

Key projects in Doughnut Model in Prof. Shao's research team:

1. Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Modules (ERASMUS-JMO-2025-MODULE, 101234644 — DoughEU), Host, "Reimagining EU Sustainability: The Doughnut Economics Model as a Path to a Safe and Just Operating Space."

2. Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (CHN 1194898 HFST-P), Host, “Digital governance for sustainable development in the COVID-19 era in China: a planetary boundary perspective.”

3. National Natural Science Foundation of China (71903131), Host, “Sustainability evaluation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area based on spatial econometrics and planetary boundary”