Research institute DRIFT, the Amsterdam Economic Board and Amsterdam Smart City have been working together for some time now. So it only seemed logical to make this union structural.
DRIFT develops and shares transition knowledge with innovative methods and academic training sessions and gets involved in the public debate. ‘Both at DRIFT and within the network of Amsterdam Smart City, we see opportunities and the necessity to change towards a sustainable society. We are happy to enrich this network with our specific knowledge and experience. But also to learn how to shape these kind of new collaborations. The open, learning approach really appeals to us,’ says Gijs Diercks, senior researcher and advisor at DRIFT.
Leonie van de Beuken: 'We are very happy that DRIFT is structurally committed to the Amsterdam Smart City network. We share a passion for empowering others to actively engage in transitions. From residents to entrepreneurs to governments. This way we can achieve tangible results. The knowledge and experience that DRIFT brings in this area is a wonderful addition to our network.'
Wicked Problems; the underlying barriers within transitions
For some time DRIFT has already been part of the team with partners that is developing an approach to tackle so-called 'wicked problems' better together. An approach aimed at revealing and breaking down underlying barriers within transitions. We use new methods for this and connect what we encounter in the implementation with the strategic level.
Picture credit: Edwin Weers
