Future Human Potential for Transitions to Sustainability

Future Human Potential (FHP) is a research hub of The Hague University of Applied Sciences, a collaboration between the Centres of Expertise Global & Inclusive Learning and Mission Zero. FHP researches how we put human potential to work in the sustainability transition: collaboration with the field, flexible expertise, sustainable talent development and employability, and capacity development of students and professionals, including through Lifelong Development (LLO). FHP works closely with the programme's other two research lines.

Project background

FHP is one of three research lines in the HHs PGO programme Transition to Sustainability (2026-2028). Many sustainability transitions stall on a practical problem: different parties have to genuinely work together under uncertainty. Funding and policy agendas focus mostly on the technical, economic and ecological side of a transition. Whether people have the mindset and agency to carry it through is not always seen as a main concern. Yet we know that the social aspects of innovations account for 75% of their success (Volberda et al., 2011). FHP focuses on closing that gap.

Transitions don't get off the ground by themselves. People make them possible, and when we recognise and activate that potential, we speed up the transition to sustainability. 

- Aniek Draaisma

Goal

To make the most of human potential in the sustainability transition by developing students and professionals, including through Lifelong Development, for lasting employability and impact.

Target group

Students, teachers, researchers and professionals who contribute to a sustainable future. Also people entering, moving through or returning to the labour market, including career changers. Partners include corporates and SMEs, public-sector and municipal organisations and educational institutions (MBO, HBO, WO).

Method

We see ourselves as a broker, connector and content partner. Rather than leading every proposal, we connect our expertise and work packages to calls and consortia already in motion or ready to move. Three strategies:

• Creating a research hub where THUAS researchers connect and explore funding opportunities together
• Facilitating an FHP learning community for researchers, educators, students and more
• Connecting and supporting colleagues and external partners by turning research ideas into designs and grant applications

Results

FHP aims for:

• funded research projects, regional, national and international, in co-creation with the field
• publications: popular (such as tools and guides), academic and international
• cases, minors, LLO modules and microcredentials for students and professionals
• involved students, programmes and courses
• a growing research network, with joint projects with the other programmes

Impact

FHP contributes to the ambition of The Hague University of Applied Sciences to make an impact on sustainable transitions and to secure more external funding, including in Europe, so that this impact can grow. Results feed into education, in curricula, LLO modules and microcredentials. In this way, students and professionals can develop for the transition. The PGO funding runs for three years and lays a foundation so the research line can continue after 2028.

More information

• LinkedIn: @FutureHumanPotential

Duration

2026 to 2028 (inclusive)

Funding

PGO funds of The Hague University of Applied Sciences, via the Centres of Expertise Mission Zero and Global & Inclusive Learning (Transition to Sustainability programme)

Collaboration

• Centres of Expertise Global & Inclusive Learning and Mission Zero
• Research lines Societal and Technological Transitions (SETT) and Climate Justice Transitions (CJ)
• Green Office of The Hague University of Applied Sciences
• Teachers, students, researchers and external partners from the field

Team

• Wâtte Zijlstra
• Aniek Draaisma
• Lonneke Frie
• Celina Whitehead
• Kiera Marks
• Chennery Cárdenas

Contact

[email protected]