Just as the state typically has agencies with the official mission of promoting market activity, it could also (or instead) make the commons a core priority.
# Establish programs that promote and support commoning. Public institutions can be vehicles or clearinghouses through which commoners can share technical, legal and financial assistance and guidance on the social practices of commoning. Example: ...
# Provide infrastructures for commoning Build infrastructures, design protocols and open spaces that make it easier and cheaper for commoners to instigate self-organized commoning. Smart energy grids, TCP/IP technical protocols for the Internet, free Wi-Fi in public squares and meeting spaces, and free server space for websites, email and data (e.g., Open Commons Linz are prime examples.
# Deliver statistics and reports about the State of the Commons add some text, the problem is - we have basically nothing and this makes the power of the commons invisible.
# Create new types of finance for the commons The state could provide essential support for commons to start up and expand by establishing finance systems and currencies that go beyond private banking and finance markets. Examples include cooperative finance, social and ethical banking, alternative currencies, a Commons Development Fund, and securities laws to allow crowdfunding of commons projects.Commons based UBIs are also a big step forward.
# Social/Motivational/Publicly visible/ Moral support for commoning By reducing people’s dependency on the market sector, the state can open up time and social space for people to participate in commoning.
to be discussed
- the "new types of finance section"
- not sure about the title of the last function; as for your question: "(BUT: Given the hostility of capital-driven markets towards commons and their influence over the state, how would it be politically possible for the state to provide this social support? And what criteria would the state use to balance support for markets vs. commons?)
I think, that our book does not need to answer the first question - because this, simply is a matter of "if you got it" and once you got it a matter of "political will"; but I put your second one on our discussion list