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agile
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designthinking
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interdisciplinary
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transdisciplinary
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programmanagement
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networkmanagement
International and interdisciplinary teams jointly develop innovative solutions for complex challenges within the energy transition.
November 2020 - July 2021
From design to implementation and issuing of certificates.
Program designer, facilitator, advisor and innovation coach
The Case Competition focused on tackling complex issues within the energy transition through interdisciplinary teamwork. Students from Leiden, Delft and Erasmus universities worked together with companies, governments and civil society organisations to develop innovative and practical solutions that contribute to a sustainable future.
- Design and implementation of the programm, including strategic stakeholdermanagement.
- Coordinating the kick-off session, weekly stand-up sessions and organizing the finals.
- Supervise interdisciplinairy student teams in developing sustainable solutions.
- Facilitating stakeholder collaboration and strengthening networks.
- Developing judging criteria and support judges.
- Certification of participating students and recognition of their achievements.
Due to the COVID-19 measures, a hybrid program was developed, allowing students from all over the world to participate.
- Training and implementing digital platform tools such as Zoom and Miro to facilitate collaboration and creative processes.
- International students participated from Europe, China and South Korea working together in teams.
- Co-creating and hosting hybrid events for local participants whom attended physical sessions, while international students participated via livestreams.
The diversity of case studies had a direct impact on program design and implementation.
-Societal acceptance of windmills: teams explored ways to involve local communities in wind farm design. This highlighted the importance of stakeholder mapping and empathy maps in the program.
-Green hydrogen production: students worked on scalable and economic solutions for hydrogen production. This required a strong focus on systems thinking and technical feasibility.
-Agrivoltaics: the challenge of combining solar energy with agriculture inspired the use of Design Thinking and visualisation and concept development.
-Making social housing sustainable: developing affordable sustainability solutions highlighted the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing together technical, economic and societal expertise.
-Circular energy solutions for municipalities: teams worked on designs for circular energy mixes, where policy analysis and implementation strategies were crucial.
The Case Competition showcased a significant impact through its structure, methodology, and outcomes:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration was seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the program, fostering holistic problem-solving approaches.
- Flexibility in guidance and tailored support for each case enhanced the quality and relevance of the solutions.
- The use of Design Thinking and systems thinking empowered students to address complex, multi-faceted issues effectively.
- Digital tools like Miro provided the teams with structure and visualisation capabilities, facilitating clear communication and collaborative workflows.
- International participation, with students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, enriched discussions and solutions, adding valuable global perspectives to the program.
The LDE Centre for Sustainability now structurally facilitates interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary challenges, such as the Interdisciplinary Thesis Labs. These labs bring together students, academics and professionals to tackle complex sustainability issues. More information is available on the Centre for Sustainability website.
- Innovative Solutions: the program resulted in scalable and impactful concepts, such as agrivoltaics, hydrogen production, and strategies for improving social acceptance of renewable energy projects.
- Professional development: students gained practical experience in systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and delivering effective pitches, skills crucial for real-world sustainability challenges.
- Networking: stronger relationships were formed between universities, companies, and governments, creating a robust ecosystem for future collaborations.
- Increased awareness: participants and stakeholders developed a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the energy transition, paving the way for informed and innovative action.
This combination of methodological rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful outcomes demonstrates the programs strength in addressing real-world sustainability challenges.
-Students learned to tackle complex issues interdisciplinary and create impactful solutions.
-Companies discovered the power of fresh perspectives and new ways of working together.
-Civil society organisations realised the importance of Design Thinking and co-creation in transitions.
- Process design and facilitation techniques
- Application of Design Thinking and systems thinking
- Guiding interdisciplinary collaboration
- Building and strengthening strategic networks
More information can be found through the LDE Centre for Sustainability website.
The Case Competition provides a unique platform where young talents, companies and governments work together to make real impact. The hybrid format and international participation highlighted the power of diversity and flexibility in learning and innovation. This program shows how complex challenges can be turned into sustainable solutions with global impact.
