Countdown to Zero #3 Designing Value Networks

Green gratitude

The group strengthened its shared narrative, took next steps onto the research arena, further excelled in applying its approaches, frameworks and tools, and initiated new projects on both the national, as well as on the European levels.

Designing Value Networks continued its active involvement in the ongoing projects such as REWIRE, ESMEE, GenESG, SPRONG ESC, DUT UrbanCOLLAR, ASAS, etc., as well as started its way with the currently granted ones such as the Erasmus + GreenEdge and Entregamer, and the NWO TASICI, etc.

Being able to co-edit the newest NADR book has been an endeavor that brought together not only the diverse communities where DVN is actively present in but also extended the scope of its value and impact across industries and types of transitions.

The team is more than proud for having been able to give depth and meaning to the initiated and further sustained membership of THUAS in the Expertise Network Systemic Co-Design, the European Network of Living Labs, the University Industry Innovation Network, the Let Her In network, the Start for Future Cooperative, the INNEXA Alliance, EUCA, as well as the successful submission of new Erasmus+ projects. Nationally, impact was also achieved, notably through the new TASICI project.

In addition, the research group's toolkit was further structured and made accessible to external stakeholders, improving its ability to serve third-party funding opportunities. Collaboration with other research groups within Mission Zero and beyond was further strengthened and joint projects were both submitted and approved!

A particularly notable milestone was that THUAS became an official partner of the European University Alliance UNINOVIS Data for life and the contribution DVN had to the upcoming Scientific conference at the University of Malaga and the Executive Committee Membership.

It was truly amazing to see that all our researchers published within and outside the Netherlands and presented their work across continents and yet in a sustainable way!

Wrapped-up

In 2025, Designing Value Networks launched several new projects, among others the two new Erasmus+ initiatives and the national TASICI project

The Futureproof Labs project was successfully completed and is seen by the group as one of the most valuable initiatives coming to full fruition in the last year together with the first cycle of the ESC project and the three ESC books (2 of which came out this year and the third one is currently with the publisher). Many of the other projects and outcomes can be found on the research group’s website: Designing Value Networks.

The people make Mission Zero

In 2025, the research group welcomed new colleagues, among others Jerke Verschoor, Jan Hendrik van der Kooij and Rosa Groen.

Rosa planted the climate justice seeds through the ChangeABLE project, while Jerke brought valuable momentum in internationalization and European collaboration and Jan Hendrik strengthened the connection with the The Hague Student Investment Fund (HSIF), enabling students to actively contribute to innovation within the research group. The group also expressed gratitude to everyone who took on new roles, published, or contributed to the team’s growth movement this year.

Mission Zero stories

This past year featured countless special moments, making it difficult to highlight just one. However, a few events stood out, such as the group's strengthened role in the partnership with ZHIA, where it now serves as an innovation partner of the European Network of Living Labs. The group also appreciated the team's wide-reaching international engagement: within a single week, researchers were active in Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Andorra, all working on assignments within the same research agenda.

A business-minded moment

This year, the research group reflected not only on substantive achievements but also on the value of collaboration, entrepreneurship, and international positioning. The growing involvement in European initiatives and the strategic role within UNINOVIS were seen as important steps toward a future-proof research profile. As well as the business case currently developed on the Facilitation design spectrum is coming to more and tangible format.

Looking ahead: what will 2026 bring?

In 2026, Designing Value Networks will focus on the implementation of the projects initiated this year, while also pending for the ones in the pipeline and developing news ones across the diverse program lines. Additionally, it aims to increase its visibility, strengthen its expertise within European networks, and continue building valuable crossovers with other knowledge partners.

Coming up: events and dates

The following activities are scheduled in the coming months:

• Kick-off meetings of Entregamer and GreenEdge
• First TASICI interventions
• ESConference on February 11, 12, and 13
• Let Her In Annual Assembly and Project Club.
• REWIRE research workshops and learning platform scaling

Zero Words to End the Year

Designing Value Networks looks forward to another year filled with collaboration, growth, and impact. The group remains committed to developing value-driven innovations that contribute to a sustainable future.