Connecting Innovation and Learning: Highlights from the Research Seminar at THUAS

On March 18, 2025, The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) hosted a gathering of REWIRE researchers for a workshop focused on three core themes: local experimentation and scaling, ecosystem development, and value network design. The event provided an opportunity not only to share progress and ideas but also to strengthen collaboration across the consortium.

The day opened with a warm welcome from Liliya Terzieva, who introduced the university’s applied research mission and outlined THUAS’s contribution to REWIRE. From there, participants moved into interactive sessions that tackled the complexities of system change from multiple angles.

Anja Overdiek presented the ISLE model (Innovating Systems by Local Experiment), offering a structured way to think about how innovations evolve through time and across different levels of impact. The discussion questioned the conventional idea that scaling always means growing larger, suggesting instead that scaling can also mean deepening or linking efforts in smarter ways.

Next, participants explored ecosystem thinking  and how innovation doesn’t occur in isolation but in dynamic, evolving systems. Drawing on recent research and practical examples, Armand van Oostrom highlighted the importance of shaping ecosystems actively—through learning, relationships, and intentional spaces like transition arenas—rather than assuming they emerge naturally.

In a third session, the focus turned to value networks. Liliya Terzieva shared insights into how collaborations mature over time, moving through phases that require different types of coordination, trust-building, and design input. Understanding these phases can help REWIRE partners be more strategic about how they work together and co-create value.

To gather input to inform the design of REWIRE’s learning platform a structured survey session led by THUAS student Radu Georghiu. His work aims to ensure the platform meets real needs—encouraging interaction, sharing, and reflection across the project.

To close the day, designer André Weenink facilitated a creative group reflection on collaboration using a custom card set developed through earlier design research projects. This hands-on session opened space for dialogue about what’s working in REWIRE’s internal collaboration—and where more support or clarity may be needed.

The event wrapped up with informal drinks and snacks.