Progressiostas

Progressiostas are adherents of a flexible, evidence-based approach to advancing social and economic systems. They advocate continuous improvement through experimentation, data-driven policy, and adaptive governance, prioritizing human well-being, sustainability, and resilience against stagnation.

The term progressiosta is a neologism combining progress with the suffix -osta to denote a practitioner or advocate. It is believed to have emerged in online discourse in the early 21st century, later adopted by think tanks and academic writers to describe a spectrum of reform-minded thinkers who favor iterative over revolutionary change.

Beliefs and practices: Core principles include evidence-based policymaking, iterative policy experimentation, and long-term planning. They support responsible innovation in technology and healthcare, climate action, education, and institutional reform. They resist both stagnation and reckless disruption, seeking reforms that are feasible and scalable. They use pilot programs, open data, and citizen input to guide decision-making and to assess impact.

Organizational landscape and influence: The movement consists of loose networks, think tanks, advocacy groups, and online communities rather than a formal party. It influences policy debates by publishing reports, hosting experiments, and urging governments to adopt adaptive frameworks such as experimental governance and living policies.

Criticism and reception: Critics accuse progressiostas of technocratic elitism and overreliance on metrics, potentially downplaying equity concerns. Defenders argue the approach offers practical pathways to measurable improvements while remaining adaptable.

Related concepts include progressivism, technocracy, and evidence-based policymaking.