Research group Collaborative innovation for transitions

This research line focuses on collaboration: how do partners within incumbent systems (such as governments) work together with innovators (such as citizens' initiatives or social enterprises) on major societal changes? We research how new ideas and ways of working emerge (innovate) and how outdated structures become abandoned (exnovate). We examine the role of various actors, the way they cooperate and conflict and the intermediaries who aim to bridge the gaps. We compare cooperation in sustainability transitions with cooperation in social transitions, such as in urban neighbourhoods.

This line of research revolves around learning and knowledge sharing within networks working on societal transitions. How do partners learn together in a way that offers room for reflection and abandoning old patterns? We examine the role of trust, of art as a tool for learning and collaboration, and of experts by experience. Here, too, we look at the differences between learning processes in sustainability transitions and social transitions. Knowledge institutions such as universities of applied sciences play an important role in these learning processes.

In this line of research, we explore how collaboration and learning actually impacts transitions. How do these processes lead to real, lasting improvement such as new institutions, adapted laws and regulations, changed habits or new ways of organizing. We look at how innovative collaborations between established and new parties can successfully scale up and create impact. In doing so, we also study which forms of upscaling work in different domains, such as sustainability and the social domains, and how stakeholders determine which results are valuable.