Their collaboration was inspired by the concept Plugging the Leaks, a seminal policy paper that highlighted a crucial leverage point for transformative local development: the endogenous development potentials within communities and the competitive potential of community-driven sustainable strategies to navigate external market forces.

From 2016 to 2020, Ecoloc embarked on various research and development projects to create tools and frameworks for community development in Switzerland and Germany, with additional ventures in Sudan and Kenya. However, these experiences revealed the inherent limitations of localized, project-centric sustainability approaches.

Following Thomas’s departure due to a neurodegenerative ailment, Stephan redirected the organization towards a broader strategic perspective on the deeper systemic leverage tenets of social-ecological transformation. As a result, Ecoloc’s focus shifted to prioritizing the innovation of institutional and monetary frameworks to catalyze local economic and community development.

In 2024, after eight years of refining its business model, Ecoloc re-emerged with a new triadic intervention strategy. Repositioned as a community-driven think tank and platform for scholars, professionals, and expert activists, Ecoloc now forges alliances and initiates joint research and development ventures. Its goal is to contribute adequate institutional responses to our time’s emerging poly-crisis and transformation challenges.