The Scattered Billion
"The Scattered Billion" dives into the world of the grey economy—the vast, invisible workforce that operates beyond traditional financial systems and regulations. This book is a call to reframe how we view, design for, and empower those who work in the shadows of the formal economy.
00
Sitaution
The grey economy holds trillions in economic potential, yet it remains marginalized and misunderstood. Millions of workers across industries—from domestic helpers to small vendors—operate without the support of formal systems, navigating daily challenges for financial stability, security, and respect. This economy isn’t just “informal”—it’s vital and worth recognizing.
Task
This book challenges readers to rethink conventional views. With stories, data, and practical insights, The Scattered Billion reveals the lives behind the statistics. It moves beyond numbers to tell the stories of resilience and ingenuity within the grey economy while introducing fresh ideas for how society can support and sustain this global powerhouse.
The grey economy holds the potential to transform lives and drive global progress. The Scattered Billion is more than a book—it’s a blueprint for change, inviting readers to explore how design, policy, and innovation can recognize and empower an invisible workforce.
Inside the Book
Real Stories, Real Impact: Hear from the voices of the grey economy—personal accounts that illustrate the power and challenges of their work, bringing statistics to life with real stories.
A Blueprint for Economic Inclusion: Imagine if the grey economy operated as a nation. Through this lens, we explore its potential global GDP and economic influence, challenging readers to see the grey economy as an untapped engine for growth.
Design for Empowerment: By presenting culturally resonant, design-driven solutions, The Scattered Billion offers tangible ways to overcome the barriers of formality—ensuring financial inclusion without sidelining tradition.
A Focus on Women’s Role: Women are often the cornerstone of the grey economy, facing unique challenges. This book shines a light on the tools and frameworks that could reshape their futures and elevate their contributions.
Click here to download The Scattered Billion and discover how trust, design, and empowerment can reshape an invisible workforce.
year
2021
timeframe
1 Year
contributions
Economic Systems Research & Analysis, Financial Innovation Design, Human-Centered Solution Development, Writing & Publication.
category
Artefacts
01
The book explores the concept of the grey economy as a single economic powerhouse, estimating its potential contribution to global GDP and challenging conventional views on "informality."
02
Drawing on the Mafia’s trust-based networks, The Scattered Billion reimagines financial tools for the grey economy. By recognizing the deep, community-driven relationships within informal economies, it designs solutions rooted in trust and reciprocity.
03
The book emphasizes the vital role of women in the grey economy, spotlighting the unique challenges they face and presenting tools like "Saheli" for legal support and "The Underbank" for financial empowerment.
