I've been reading John Thackara's "In the Bubble" book lately.  It discusses many design considerations in society, and among them, issues of speed and growth.  Luckily, I also came across two really thought provoking articles online that also help round out new visions of how economies and businesses can function in the years ahead... and it's far from the gloom and doom you'd expect. 

First, check out this article by Herman E. Daly that was featured on The Oil Drum.  He naturally has to spend some time describing what's going wrong in our economic system, but then presents some really worthwhile solutions for how we can make some essential reforms.  It's a long article, but well worth the read and gives a brilliant "macro view" of the world economic system.

On the micro side, I came across this article on Treehugger by a business consultant.  He identifies how many "slow movements" (e.g. slow food, slow travel) are now making some people consider if one of the next "slow" pertains to business.  He describes slow business as follows:

• Who you are matters. Work should be a meaningful expression of individuals. And any job description that doesn't allow this should be rewritten.
• The rest of your life matters. When people bring their Blackberries everywhere and work until 10pm, it creates the sense that work is the most important aspect of our lives. When you slow down, you enable others to do the same.
• Relationships matter. Being businesslike doesn't mean being less human. Let's acknowledge work is a part of life and start savoring the opportunities we have to develop real friendships (beyond small talk).
• Joy matters. It's 2009, we're supposed to be evolving. Why should any humans be expected to spend large amounts of time not enjoying themselves?
• Love matters (i.e., let's stop letting money drive our experiences as human beings) Work is more than a means to an end -- it is part of how we relate to our lives. That's why it means something to buy a hammer at a neighborhood hardware store that's staffed by people who love fixing things. The only reason businesses that don't create their own products or provide their services with love survive, is by being cheaper.
• The planet matters. It's absurd that people acknowledge environmental threats like global warming as being real, then oppose remedies to fix them as being "too expensive." What the heck are we going to do with all our money come Armageddon? 

Seems like some pretty worthwhile insight.  I mean, if you're not in business to enjoy yourself, enjoy the people you work with, and not look after the world that gives you the opportunity for commerce to begin with, what is the point really?