Expertise Network Systemic Co-design

Expertise Network Systemic Co-design (ESC) is a collaboration between five universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. Our aim is to jointly explore systemic co-design as a problem-solving approach that enables projects to understand the interconnected systems behind complex challenges and to develop interventions that address their root causes.

With support from a SIA SPRONG grant, ESC brings together research, tools and design partners. In close cooperation, the universities of applied sciences and external partners are developing a systemic co-design approach that accelerates societal transitions.

Target group

The Expertise Network Systemic Co-design consists of professors, senior researchers, researchers and impact makers, supported by a programme manager and a community manager. Together with students, we conduct research and address social challenges in various contexts, including projects, knowledge centres and labs.

Duration

2022 - 2030: a total of eight years, divided into two cycles of four years each.

Research method

Complex societal challenges

Today’s major societal challenges cannot be solved by a single individual or organization. Complex issues such as climate change, ageing populations, cybercrime and privacy concerns demand collective effort and collaboration.

Systemic Co-Design

Addressing these challenges requires expertise in collective change, an understanding of how systems function and the ability to bring new ideas into practice. Yet in reality, these areas of expertise often remain separate domains, each with its own theories, models, methods and tools. Our aim is to integrate and apply systemic perspectives and co-design in new ways and across different fields, while testing and refining these approaches. By engaging with real-world cases, we learn together in practice and develop models, methodologies and approaches that deliver creative solutions to urgent societal challenges.

Activities

As an expert network, we advance the definition and application of Systemic Co-design (SCD) in several ways. We organise learning events ranging from workshops and networking sessions to multi-day conferences, such as the RSD in Amsterdam. We conduct practice-based research, develop educational programmes and support professionalisation, guided by our Dynamic Learning Agenda.

Results

General overview:
https://www.systemischcodesign.nl/en/ 

Knowledge:
https://www.systemischcodesign.nl/en/knowledge/ 

Activities:
https://www.systemischcodesign.nl/en/activiteiten/ 

The network:
https://www.systemischcodesign.nl/en/netwerk/

Researchers involved

• Dr. Liliya Terzieva, professor Designing Value Networks
• Dr. Anja Overdiek, Associate professor
• Drs. Heleen Geerts, Impact maker
• Drs. Celina Whitehead, Design researcher
• Drs. Armand van Oostrom, Senior researcher
• Drs. Esmee Messemaker, Researcher

Collaboration

• InHolland University of Applied Sciences
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Utrecht University of Applied Sciences
• Being a Designer
• MVIdee
• Fundamentals Academy
• Municipality of the Hague
• Municipality of Rotterdam
• ZHIA
• International partners: Let Her In, Cracow University of Economics, Start For Future Cooperative, European Development Foundation, Nikanor VET Centre

Funding

• Regieorgaan SIA SPRONG
• Practice partners

Contact 

Dr. Liliya Terzieva, professor Designing Value Networks
[email protected]
+31 (0)6 10 25 28 78