Welcome to Web3 & The Commons Economy: Rebuilding the Future

Facilitators: Michel Bauwens (P2P foundation) & Peter Farbey (Web3Privacy Academy)

What this course is about

In this mini-course, Michel Bauwens, founder of the P2P Foundation and leading thinker on commons-based economies, guides you through how Web3 can help rebuild fairer, more resilient systems for the future.

You'll explore:

• Why commons and peer-to-peer (P2P) systems matter
• How Web3 tools like DAOs and blockchains can fund and govern commons
• What "cosmo-localism" is (and why it’s the key to scaling cooperation)
• Real-world strategies for transitioning away from extractive economies

By the end, you’ll see how peer production, decentralized infrastructure, and mutual coordination can lay the groundwork for a new kind of economy.

How this cohort works

• You’ll study independently using short videos + optional readings
• We have a dedicated cohort chat (already active here https://t.me/+zqXD0C6L-To5NGI6) where you can share thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other learners
• Total self-study time: ~60 minutes

How to get the most out of this course

• Watch the intro video from Michel
• Complete each lesson in order as it becomes available
• Jump into the Telegram group for discussions
• Optional: Explore deeper readings and Michel’s long-form talks
• Register and enroll in the course to save your progress

Before you begin

Track your progress if you want to.

We use an LMS which means if you create a free account with your email, you get a personal dashboard that tracks which lessons you've completed, pick up where you left off, and have a smoother experience overall. Also it helps us to understand how many students we have and make strategic decisions about Academy and courses

No obligation. You can go through the whole course without signing up.

But if you want the dashboard, it takes 5 seconds.

Sign up here

and then enroll into course here

We're a privacy-preserving institution. We don't sell your data, we don't share it, and we don't spam you. Your email stays yours.

Join the community.

There's a chat where students, alumni, and contributors hang out asking questions, sharing feedback, finding collaborators, and occasionally reporting bugs.

If you want to meet people who are asking the same questions you are, this is where they are.

Join the community chat https://t.me/+TdhG7t184BtiOGQy

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This course is designed to be accessible. No prior knowledge of Web3, economics, or the commons is required. Just curiosity and a willingness to think about new futures.

Let’s get started with Michel’s story and why the commons matter!