About us
About Econec
A non-profit initiative developing digital teaching materials for economics that respond to the new expectations of the PEC 2024.
Our mission
Econec is a non-profit initiative developing digital teaching materials for economics that respond to the new expectations of the PEC 2024. We believe economics education should help students understand the world they live in, engage with complexity, and reflect on the social and ecological dimensions of economic life.
Our mission is to make that possible in everyday teaching practice by creating accessible, high-quality, and adaptable learning modules for upper secondary education.
Why this project matters
The new framework curriculum requires teachers to address not only core economic concepts, but also sustainable development, civic education, and a diversity of analytical approaches. Existing materials do not yet cover these expectations in a way that is both comprehensive and ready for classroom use.
Econec responds to this challenge by developing modules that are designed for direct use, while remaining flexible enough to fit different teaching styles, course formats, and student groups.
“The PEC 2024 requires students to analyse economic development and its interactions with society and ecology, and to assess the limits of growth.”
— Swiss Framework Curriculum (CDIP, 2024)
Our vision for economics education
We see economics education as more than the transmission of isolated concepts. It should help students:
- Understand economic phenomena as part of broader social and ecological systems
- Work with multiple concepts, models, and perspectives
- Recognise the limits of economic frameworks
- Connect classroom knowledge to real-life issues
- Reflect on the ethical dimensions of economic choices and institutions
How our modules are created
Our modules are built around a clear didactic concept. Each module:
- Targets at least one specific PEC competence
- Supports at least one cross-curricular competence
- Begins with an economic phenomenon rooted in students’ lived experience
- Translates complexity into teachable learning sequences without oversimplifying
- Encourages multiperspectivity and critical reflection
- Includes student materials, a teacher guide, solutions, references, and curriculum alignment documentation
Our development methodology
Econec combines design thinking with a build-measure-learn approach inspired by lean startup methods. This allows us to create resources through cycles of exploration, prototyping, review, and improvement rather than through a purely linear process.
1
Understand
Identifying real needs through observation and dialogue with teachers and defining clear learning and usage challenges.
2
Prototype
Developing prototypes quickly and reviewing modules with experts and teachers from the Advisory Committee and Sounding Board.
3
Improve
Improving content based on structured feedback and validating modules against explicit quality criteria before publication.
How we ensure quality
Quality assurance is central to the project. Each module goes through a standardised process:
- 1Scoping and curriculum alignment
- 2Production of teaching and support materials
- 3Pedagogical and disciplinary review
- 4Usability review with teachers
- 5Linguistic proofreading and terminological consistency
- 6Final validation against a clear Definition of Done
A module is only considered ready when it offers explicit PEC alignment, clear learning objectives, acceptable teacher preparation workload, documented sources, linguistic quality, and compatibility with selective classroom integration.
Project phases
~3 months
Phase 0
- Develop a first learning module prototype
- Produce the prototype in German, French, and English
- Design a low-fidelity prototype of the e-learning platform
- Form the Advisory Committee
~1 year
Phase 1
- Develop 3–5 additional learning modules
- Establish a topic catalogue
- Design a high-fidelity prototype of the platform
- Form a sounding board and conduct structured user research
~5 years
Phase 2
- Develop additional learning modules
- Go-live of the e-learning platform
- Establish a structured feedback loop
- Integration of external materials
The team
M.A.
Yannick Sottas
Project Coordinator & Head of Strategic Partnerships
Yannick Sottas brings expertise in economics, education, and curriculum-focused project development. With a background in economics and a teaching qualification in economics and law, he works at the intersection of pedagogy, research, and educational innovation. His experience in academia, teaching, and plural economics networks helps shape the strategic direction of Econec.
LinkedIn →
M.A.
Christoph Fausch
Head of Impact Assessment & Teacher Network
Christoph Fausch brings experience in economics, innovation, user research, and education. His work combines data-driven analysis, service design, and teaching practice. At Econec, he leads impact assessment and supports the development of strong links with teachers and schools.
LinkedIn →
B.A.
Barthélémy Tripod
Head of Educational R&D & Platform Creation
Barthélémy Tripod contributes expertise in political economy, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digital product creation. His background in website creation, UI/UX, and educational reflection supports both the pedagogical development of the modules and the design of the platform experience.
LinkedIn →Help shape the future of economics education
Whether you are a teacher, expert, partner, or supporter, your perspective can help shape a stronger and more meaningful economics education.