Adl: A Model for Measuring a Base Unit of Economic Value Independent of Economic Systems

This paper introduces a theoretical–computational framework for defining a base unit of economic value, termed Adl, grounded in the minimum labor time required to satisfy basic human needs. Departing from monetary, financial, and institutional measures of value, the proposed model derives economic value directly from effective human labor time constrained by physiological, social, and productive limits. By defining a universal human needs basket and formalizing the relationship between labor time, baseline productivity, and welfare, the model establishes an economic value floor that operates independently of specific economic systems or monetary regimes. Using internationally available scientific data on nutrition, housing, health, education, and labor productivity, a simulation-based model demonstrates that, under average global conditions, the fulfillment of basic human welfare theoretically requires approximately four hours of effective labor per day. This result is not presented as a normative recommendation or policy target, but as a structural–theoretical benchmark emerging from the internal logic of the model. The framework enables cross-system comparisons of economic efficiency and welfare without reliance on nominal prices or income measures, and offers a reference standard for analyzing labor intensity, inequality, and structural inefficiencies in production and distribution. Rather than proposing an alternative economic system, the paper provides a quantitative language for reassessing the relationship between human labor time, economic value, and attainable welfare, opening new avenues for interdisciplinary research in economics, social sciences, and public policy. Keywords:Labor time; Economic value measurement; Human needs floor; Basic welfare threshold; Productivity; Economic benchmarking; Value-neutral economic model; Work hours; Social welfare; Economic efficiency