New World Economy

The New World Economy is the economic system that took shape on Earth in the late 22nd century, around the time the Federation formed.

According to Tom Paris, it was around the 22nd century that "money went the way of the dinosaur." 

Under the New World Economy material needs and money no longer existed and humanity had grown out of its infancy. People were no longer obsessed with the accumulation of things, effectively eliminating hunger and want and the need for possessions. The challenge and driving force then were to improve oneself, to enrich oneself and the betterment of all humanity. 

However, the Federation continued to deal with other cultures which had money-based economies. The Ferengi in particular were scornful of the Federation's economic system:

"I'm Human, I don't have any money."

"It's not my fault that your species decided to abandon currency-based economics in favor of some philosophy of self-enhancement."

"Hey, watch it. There's nothing wrong with our philosophy. We work to better ourselves and the rest of Humanity."

"What does that mean exactly?"

"It means... it means we don't need money!"
 * - Jake Sisko and Nog,