Economics In social science , economics was the study of the production , distribution and consumption of goods and services . In circa 1930 , Earth experienced an economic upheaval known as the Great Depression . James T . Kirk and Spock experienced this period during a visit to Earth through the Guardian of Forever . ( ) Jean - Luc Picard explained to Lily Sloane that " " the economics of the future are different , " " than those of the 21st century , as " " money doesn ' t exist in the 24th century " " . He further explained that " " the acquisition of wealth is no longer the driving force in our lives . We work to better ourselves and the rest of humanity . " " ( ) It was further explained by Nog that Human s " " abandoned currency - based economics in favor of some philosophy of self - enhancement . " " ( ) Although Picard was correct that wealth was no longer humanity ' s driving force , a kind of currency existed , or at least did in the 23rd cenutry , known as the Federation credit , which used more as a bartering system than wealth . McCoy wanted to pay a smuggler to transport him to the Genesis Planet . ( ) While humanity was not driven by economics , several species throughout the galaxy were economically motivated , including the Ferengi , the Dosi , and the Malon . ( , et al . ; ; ) In Keiko O ' Brien ' s understanding of Ferengi education , she believed that they employed " " a work - study approach , with apprenticeships in a wide range of business and economic fields . " " The reality of their education , according to Rom , was that " " we throw them into the cut - throat competition of Ferengi commerce ! Anyone who survives , graduates . " " ( ) According to Picard , the Selay and Antican s , two mortal enemies from the Beta Renner system , " " have a passionate hatred over matters of custom , god concepts , and even , strangely enough , economic systems . " " , possibly a reference to the then - current Cold War . ( ) During the 24th century , the Malcorian s began exploring new philosophies , technologies and economics . Some traditionalists , including Krola , felt that it was taking his people " " too quickly where we have no business going . " " ( ) The Scrolls of Ardra was a simple business arrangement between the Ventaxian s and Ardra , drawn up after she " " did away with their war s , famine and economic ruin , " " promising them in return " " 1 , 000 years of paradise . " " During the false return of Ardra , in 2367 , the impostor requested from the Ventaxians " " an accounting of all you ' ve accumulated for me . This form will give guidelines for a full census of the population , with emphasis on productivity and economic forecast s . " " ( ) During the extenuating circumstances of the Dominion War , material shortages within the Federation forced Miles O ' Brien to rely on Nog to acquire a graviton stabilizer through trade . Nog ' s barter chain included an induction modulator , a phaser emitter , 16 cases of blood wine , and Benjamin Sisko ' s desk ( loaned to a souvenir collector , who wanted to create a holophoto of himself behind it ) . This process was characterized by Nog as effective navigation of the Ferengi Great Material Continuum . ( )