The challenges we face today are becoming more complex or “wicked” as Kees Dorst put it (Dorst 2015). At the same time, the world is more connected than ever and a pathway to a more sustainable world is crucial. To approach these challenges we need to zoom out beyond our own organisation, but how? And how can we connect this to our daily work? How can we leverage what we already know and do, and when do we have to reimagine our practice and paradigms?

Collaborative ecosystem innovation

Transitioning current systems – a city, a sector, an economy – and complex stakeholder collaborations towards a sustainable pathway requires a deep understanding of how different parts interact. A deep dive into the actors to understand the different relations, interactions and exchanged value. 

Intervening without considering the broader context in which problems exist can trigger unintended consequences elsewhere, and often lead to new, more severe, problems.

System mapping provides a holistic way to identify the root causes of a challenge as well as leverage points to unlock change.  

During the masterclass, we will explore this collaboratively, creatively and with tangible results.

Masterclass outline & tickets

The warmly received first edition at Delft University of Technology last April showed us that there is an appetite for more, so we decided to organise a second one. This 2-day masterclass is an introduction to ecosystem innovation. We will dive into some theories and approaches that help us to deeply understand the ecosystem and all its behaviour. 

What are ecosystems? How can we analyse and map them? Where are leverage points to intervene? 

Think about the energy transition, housing shortage or the climate crisis. Systemic innovation is a way to transform, innovate multistakeholder landscapes and generate new value.

Day 1
The first day sketches the context and mindset of using ecosystems as a starting point for innovation. It lays a foundation for understanding an ecosystem deeply, which you will apply to your own case during the 2 days. 

Day 2
On day 2 we further explore the exchanged interactions and values by the ecosystem actors and explore leverage points and opportunities for the design of interventions. We round off with a plenary discussion and drinks!

The masterclass will be facilitated by Stein Wetzer, Louka Commu and Ben Reason. A more detailed agenda is shown below.

This Masterclass will be hosted at Bluecity in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Bluecity is an international icon of circular economy and a national platform for circular entrepreneurs.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Early bird tickets: €800 ex VAT – available until September 7th!
Regular tickets: €950 ex VAT
What’s included: Lunch, beverages and refreshments throughout the day and closing drinks on Friday.

About Livework

Livework is a global service design consultancy with 20+ years of experience helping clients improve the way people work, live and make an impact on the planet. 

We believe that our planet and people deserve sustainable, thoughtful services and that organisations are more successful when they provide them.  We know that there’s a clear, effective process for designing them. It’s what we do. 

Curious?

Would you like to hear more, or do you have any questions? Please let us know!

Is this masterclass not exactly what you need, but you would like to explore other options? Reach out! We would love to discuss the possibilities!

Please feel free to contact Stein.

Agenda

Day 1
09:00 Introduction
09:30 What are ecosystems?
11:00 Break
11:15 Mindset & Role
13:00 Lunch
14:30 Mapping ecosystems
16:30 Wrap-up
17.00 End of Day 1

Day 2
09:00 Day start
09:15 Ecosystem: Relations & values
11:00 Break
11:15 Ecosystem: Feedback loops & leverage points
13:00 Lunch
14:00 What is next?
15:00 Pitch & discuss
16:30 Wrap-up & Drinks

Photo by Antoine Giret – Unsplash