What does an economy look like that is not purely focused on growth, but also contributes to well-being and a liveable planet? Twenty-five projects set to shape an economy centred on well-being, ecology and justice will soon be getting underway. These projects have been awarded the KIN Knowledge-in-Action grant ‘Economic transition: the costs and benefits of (in)action’. A maximum of €50,000 was available per application.
A key condition for award is that each project brings together the strengths and knowledge of academia and practice and operates on a co-creation basis. The projects focus on themes such as ‘A financial system without (monetary) growth’, ‘Dealing with loss, inaction and contraction’ and ‘New forms of entrepreneurship and ownership without shareholding’. Projects may be visual, design-based, entrepreneurial or, conversely, highly process-oriented, reflective or activist in nature. The aim is to bring together expertise from practice and research, with a sgared ambition to advance the desired transition by jointly exploring interventions.
Which projects are set to begin?
(in alphabetical order by project title)
Better in the Neighborhood: Community organizing as a lever for more sustainable Associations of Owners (“VVE”) in Rotterdam South
R.H.J. Franken (Energie van Rotterdam BV); S. van der Ham (Stichting Thuismakers Collectief); L. Taks (Energie van Rotterdam BV); K. Welp (Stichting Thuismakers Collectief); drs. D.A.P. Peeters (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam); dr. T.J.F. Bauwens (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam);
Many homeowner associations in vulnerable neighborhoods struggle to renovate, not only because of a lack of financial resources or technical complexity, but also because trust is low and collective decision making is difficult. This project tests whether community organizing helps associations reach residents, build trust and make progress in renovation planning. Across 6 associations, we compare 3 cases receiving community organizing with 3 cases receiving regular support. This allows us to examine whether and how this approach leads to greater participation, stronger consensus and more ambitious renovation plans in Carnisse and similar neighborhoods.
Beyond the delay frame: Building resilient journalism
dr. F. Dablander (University of Amsterdam); E. Morel (QuotaClimat); L. Wemaere (QuotaClimat); S. de Bruijn (Reformatorisch Dagblad); dr. E Remmelink (De Data Detective); L. Vanheule (Bridgelab);
The media play a crucial role as the ‘fourth power’ and influence support for climate policy. At the same time, they are susceptible to disinformation, which increasingly takes the form of delay discourses. Economic delaying frames are disseminated through traditional media thereby undermining climate action. A systematic overview of these narratives in Dutch media is lacking. Inoculation against disinformation is an effective combatant, but has never been applied to journalists. This project will therefore develop an automated detection model, create a resilience toolkit together with journalists, and measure its impact, in order to weaken opposing forces in the climate transition.
CCS valued appropriately
L. Knoester (Solid Sustainability Research); H. Arts (Stichting ter bevordering van de Fossielvrij-beweging); A. Pereira (Solid Sustainability Research); dr. G. Dix (Universiteit Twente);
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a cornerstone of European and Dutch transition plans, promoted by a strong pro-CCS community, comprising industry, researchers, knowledge centers, and consultancies. Yet for decades, CCS has failed to deliver on its promises: high costs hinder scaling, and its effectiveness falls short of expectations. Moreover, CCS enables industry to perpetuate extractive business models, thereby preserving structural flaws in our economy. Our learning objective: What interventions can help researchers, civil society organisations, journalists, and policymakers assess CCS realistically, creating space for transformative climate solutions?
Conceptual frameworks of the monetary system – toward a shared language for monetary transition
M. Thole (Waag | technology & society); F. Schootstra (Stichting Rethinking Economics NL); J. Haarsma-Elzerman (Stichting Ons Geld); J de Vries (Waag | technology & society);
The monetary system is surrounded by deeply ingrained frames that block reform: “money must be earned first, “the government must balance its books like a household.” These frames are not neutral — they obscure who benefits from the current system and who is harmed by it. This project develops new frames and language in co- creation, making the conversation about monetary reform accessible to a broad public. Through interviews with monetary reformers, a hackathon and a public workshop, we build a shared communication strategy that organisations can put to use immediately.
Cook & Care – Cooperative Entrepreneurship for an Inclusive Catering Market
W.H.A.M. van den Broek (Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS)); N. Zerouali (Stichting Women on food); J. Devis Clavijo (Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS)); L.M. Leatemia (Stichting Women on food); dr. V.C. Materia (Wageningen University & Research); dr. W.J.J. Bijman (Wageningen University & Research);
The Dutch catering market — €3.5 billion — is structurally closed to small, culturally diverse food entrepreneurs. Deciding who is allowed to provide catering in schools, care institutions, government buildings, and companies is made far away from these cultural entrepreneurs. That must change. We show that food is a cultural product and not a raw material. It’s the framework for remembrance and community building. Women on Food, a movement of 100+ Amsterdam women, aims to change this. In codesign we develop and test a cooperative model enabling these entrepreneurs to compete collectively — without giving up their cultural identity and values.
Counterforce for a sustainable and just financial system
dr. M.J. van der Linden (De Haagse Hogeschool (HHS)); drs. G. Knijp (Stichting Sustainable Finance Lab); drs. M. Cornelisse (De Haagse Hogeschool (HHS)); drs. A.I. Kervers (Universiteit Utrecht); drs. E. Hobma (Triodos Bank NV); drs. B. Kramer (Stichting Sustainable Finance Lab);
This project examines how civil society organizations, researchers, and mission-driven financial institutions can more effectively organize countervailing power at the European level and at two national levels (the Netherlands and Germany) in financial policy dossiers. We focus on two areas: the digital euro and the role of banks in the energy transition. We assess existing coalitions and the policymaking process surrounding the digital euro. We will use these findings to develop a coordinated advocacy strategy focused on the role of banks in the energy transition. By linking research and strategic communication, we test and develop an approach to research-based advocacy.
DAZO (This address seeks enterprising local residents): From incidental subsidies to cost-avoidance financing
prof. dr. T. de Moor (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam); J. Frerichs (DeBlauweWij(k)Economie); P Hoogenbosch (DeBlauweWij(k)Economie); P. Wind (Alexander Impact BV); B.C. van Veen (21 Markets BV); T. Moolenaar MA (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam); dr. L. Held (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam); dr. W.A.H. Spekkink (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
Through single-task assignments, such as landscape maintenance or energy-fixing, neighborhood enterprises create multiple values through active community power. Apart from residents, municipalities, health insurers, and housing associations also benefit from the resulting social cohesion and prevention. However, a structural financial contribution from these parties to these social benefits is currently lacking. An innovative financial mechanism that integrates various funding streams is required to provide structural funding for neighborhood enterprises while guaranteeing cost savings for the financing parties. Together with neighborhood enterprises, municipalities, housing associations, and health insurers, we are breaking down barriers and designing this mechanism for cost-avoidance financing.
Equitable capital — action research into financing a regenerative economy that works for all involved
M. Klein (Impact Hub Amsterdam); drs. S.R. Kessing (Impact Hub Amsterdam); drs. A.I.M. Bun (Impact Hub Amsterdam); dr. R.J.B. Lubberink (Hogeschool van Amsterdam);
This project investigates how regenerative entrepreneurs and impact investors can accelerate the transition to a regenerative economy. Although investors are willing to support this transition, existing knowledge, structures, and routines pose barriers. In a transition arena, 10 entrepreneurs and 5 financiers collaborate to (un)learn, experiment, test and validate new forms of financing and corresponding governance. This leads to a more equal relationship in the provision of capital, where impact and return are in the right balance. Through co-creation, the entrepreneurs and financiers share methods and tools to finance concrete cases, thereby increasing access to capital and strengthening the regenerative economy.
Financing model for farms of the future
R. van den Heuvel (Stichting We Are Stewards); G.W. Koren (Stichting We Are Stewards); drs. K. Rauwerda (Hogeschool van Amsterdam);
The Netherlands has a variety of initiatives for nature-inclusive community agriculture. They are a driver of the agricultural transition and use models such as steward-ownership and cooperatives. Traditional financiers are often unable to support them, but alternative financiers also find it difficult to fund these initiatives due to the diversity.
Initiatives therefore often struggle at financing. This stalls the agricultural transition. There are however promising examples that deserve to be emulated. Through this project, we develop a model together with farmers and financiers that helps them achieve successful financing more quickly. The model offers shared agreements and room for diversity.
Food as a basic provision, transition toward a mixed economy
F. Visser (Stichting Public Food); L.v.B. Van Bellen (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam);
Healthy food is a basic necessity for everyone, not a luxury. And just as we have organized other basic needs—tap water, libraries, social housing, public transport—a new public provision is needed that makes healthy and sustainable food accessible, easy, and affordable for everyone.
The starting point for this is Mensa Mensa as a working real-world example: a social place in the neighborhood where people can eat and cook. We clarify what is needed to make places like Mensa Mensa a structural part of municipal policy and budgeting, and in doing so institutionalize access to affordable healthy food nationwide.
Housing corporations prepared for water nuisance: financial considerations around adaptation at the building level
S. Vanwersch (Stichting Dutch Green Building Council); A. Dees (Haskoning); dr. L.T. de Ruig (Stichting Climate Adaptation Services); dr. Z. Taylor (Technische Universiteit Delft);
Climate risks are increasingly being felt but remain insufficiently reflected in investment decisions. As a result, necessary investments remain absent, and the costs of inaction are shifted to the future. This study addresses how the costs of doing nothing and the costs and benefits of climate adaptation to pluvial flooding can be made transparent and comparable at the building level for social housing associations. The project provides housing associations and value chain partners with concrete guidance to anticipate climate impacts in a timely and targeted way, preventing risks and costs from being passed on to future generations and vulnerable residents.
Interest‑free credit for the transition to sustainable local prosperity: a pilot within the cooperative payment network Amsterdam
J. Vink (Stichting STRO); T. Siderius (Gemeente Amsterdam); dr. F.J. de Graaf (Hogeschool van Amsterdam);
This project implements an interest-free pilot within a cooperative payment network in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. The network and the credit use a local currency with behavioral nudges: a time-counter and a solidarity fee. These catalyze circular development and can collect funds to cover credit risks. This decouples prosperity from resource consumption, enhancing resilience against financial crises. Goal: Using lessons learnt from this experiment to develop a reproducible framework of local circular money with interest-free credit for global scaling, also offering microfinance institutions (MFIs) a growth-independent financial system that amplifies their activities’ impact.
Land politics: bigger than GREX
V. Kuipers (Vereniging Deltametropool); J. Martens (Verveeld & Verward); Z.J. Taylor (Technische Universiteit Delft); T.I.E. Veldkamp (Hogeschool Rotterdam – Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences);
The Netherlands used to be a swamp. I almost forgot. Dikes and pumps keep the ground dry, allowing us to live here. So, we need to keep pumping, building, and earning a lot of money. At least, those who already had money. Meanwhile, the swamp is trying to be heard. But we do not listen, because slowly something extraordinary became normal, and landpolitics widens the gap between those with and those without. How can we break free from short-term thinking in area development and develop a land policy in which financial instruments, ownership structures, and responsibilities contribute to public values?
Living through economic decline and the loss of fossil-fuel comfort in the House of the Future
dr. ir. M Taanman (GovernEUR); drs. C. Vroon (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam); M. Smets MA(Stichting Huis van de Toekomst); drs. A. Visser (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam); S. Kubersky MA (Stichting Huis van de Toekomst); F. Coops (&Coops); dr. S.M. Hogervorst (Open Universiteit);
Economic transition requires letting go of fossil energy, growth, and hyperconsumption — yet this is psychologically demanding. This project by Stichting Huis van de Toekomst in Rotterdam’s BoTu neighbourhood makes that loss tangible and liveable. A fully functional Future Home is being built: no gas, electricity, wifi, or money. Researchers and policymakers spend two days there as part of a human-powered energy community. The neighbourhood itself — where residents already know life with less — acts as an experiential resource. Outputs include the physical home, a documentary, and a methodological reflection on the in-residence format as a transferable research tool.
Moving up the R-ladder: experiment for a new contract model for circular procurement in the manufacturing industry
F. van den Elzen (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam); D. Ewen (Koninklijke Ahrend bv); P. Galgani (True Price Foundation); M.W. Appeldoorn MA MSc(True Price Foundation); C. van der Geer (True Price Foundation); T. van Daal (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam);
The Dutch government has ambitious circularity targets, yet its own procurement practices undermine the next step in the transition. Companies investing in circular design and refurbishment are insufficiently rewarded by the procurement structure. This project breaks that deadlock: we examine how existing practices (true pricing, circular procurement, circular business operations) reinforce each other in accelerating and guiding the transition to a circular society in general, and a sustainable circular business model in particular. Using Ahrend as a living lab, we calculate the true value of circular choices, test a new contract design, and translate the results into practical building blocks.
Nothing new – Research into loss, behavior change, and new values in the transition toward reduced clothing consumption
D.J.M. Vorstenbosch (Stichting THIS IS FREE FASHION); A. Kaag (Provincie Noord Brabant); M. van Bers (Gemeente Tilburg); J. de Doelder (Midpoint Brabant); N. Kuijsters-Timmers (Fontys Hogeschool); L. Van Os (Blijtanken); N. Zweers (TNO Den Haag); G.L. Paradies MSc (TNO Den Haag);
Reducing consumption is the most impactful yet least explored strategy in economic transition. A crucial question therefore remains: what does it mean to let go of consumption, and what loss comes with it? In this project, 100 participants stop buying new clothes for six months. Art, community and science come together in an experiment where loss, behavioural change and new values take centre stage. Insights feed directly into De Kast van de Stad: a permanent urban facility where sharing and reuse become the norm as a scalable alternative to the current consumption model, developed with provincial and regional partners.
Societal business case for water-resilient damage recovery (Build Back Better)
dr. T. Endendijk (Tauw BV); N.M. Tijsterman (Verbond van Verzekeraars); Z.J. Taylor (Technische Universiteit Delft); L. Valkenburg (TAUW bv); dr. J. Brusselaers (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam);
Extreme weather events are causing increasing damage to society, while post‑disaster reconstruction rarely accounts for future climate risks. Build Back Better (BBB) offers an alternative approach by restoring buildings in a climate‑resilient way to reduce repeated losses. This project examines what BBB entails in the Dutch context, how costs compare to business‑as‑usual reconstruction, and what level of damage reduction can be achieved. By combining scientific knowledge with practical insights from insurers and climate adaptation experts, we develop the first societal business cases for water‑resilient reconstruction in the Netherlands, integrating recovery and preparedness in daily insurance and risk‑management practice.
Space for transition through attention to experiences of loss: a transformational media project
prof. dr. M. Olthaar PhD (NHL Stenden Hogeschool); A.M. Van Der Baan (Anne Margot van der Baan); F. Van Der Meulen (Floor vd Meulen); dr. B. Harms (NHL Stenden Hogeschool)
To stay within planetary boundaries, we need to use materials and energy more wisely and reduce consumption. This requires changes that may feel like loss of comfort, identity or familiar routines. In this project, we develop a media intervention using short film stories about experiences of loss and new forms of value and wellbeing in sustainable transitions. During interactive sessions various stakeholders watch these films together and engage in facilitated dialogue about concerns, opportunities and solutions related to car-free or low-traffic neighbourhoods. We examine whether this shared experience helps build understanding, trust and support for sustainable decisions.
The anatomy of a major polluter
dr. M.J. van der Linden (De Haagse Hogeschool (HHS)); drs. G. Knijp (Stichting Sustainable Finance Lab); drs. M. Cornelisse (De Haagse Hogeschool (HHS)); drs. A.I. Kervers (Universiteit Utrecht); drs. E. Hobma (Triodos Bank NV); drs. B. Kramer (Stichting Sustainable Finance Lab);
This project investigates and visualises the legal and financial structure of RWE, one of Europe’s biggest polluters. This visualisation serves as a case study to illustrate how polluters use building blocks of the law to privatise profits, minimise taxes and shirk their environmental and social responsibilities. Through research, workshops and in-depth conversations, we identify the legal avenues available to hold such companies accountable and pinpoint the weaknesses in our international legal system. The findings of this research are translated into visual language, simple texts and practical tools.
The capacity to change: experiments with environmental benefits and agency in energy cooperatives
dr. C. Scholl (Maastricht University); J.B. Zomerplaag (Maastricht University); F. de Jong (Klimaatstichting HIER); C.T. Hendriks (Tess Media); W.A. Tan (Weia Tan);
Living near a wind turbine or solar farm can feel like a burden. Energy cooperatives can offer something in return: community benefits that flow back to the local area. Community benefit funds are an instrument for this: around 30 cooperatives distribute tens to hundreds of thousands of euros annually. Cooperatives grapple with questions: how are benefits allocated, who decides, and who profits. Maastricht University and Klimaatstichting HIER bring together managers and beneficiaries of three funds. Using fund portraits, participants reflect on governance over locally generated energy and explore new forms of decision-making. Insights are shared with energy cooperatives nation-wide.
The cost of doing nothing: Toward fair financing of a climate‑resilient built environment.
M. zum Felde (&Flux BV); S. van der Wal (&Flux BV); A.J. Bruijns (Hogeschool Rotterdam – Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences); dr. T.I.E. Veldkamp (Hogeschool Rotterdam – Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences); drs. T.T. den Oudendammer (Hogeschool Rotterdam – Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences);
Debates on investment in a climate-resilient built environment focuse primarily on costs, whilst existing financing mechanisms and the costs of inaction remain underexposed, preventing necessary action. This project addresses the systemic barrier of the ‘split incentive’, whereby decision-makers do not benefit from investments and the beneficiaries remain out of the picture. We estimate the costs of inaction, highlight where these costs fall and who bears them. By raising awareness, we encourage a fairer assessment of investment decisions. The project advances understanding of externalisation costs, societal risk management and a more integrated, future-oriented approach to climate adaptation.
The cost of doing nothing: Waste and missed opportunities
dr. H. Bos (Stichting E4all); M. Blom (CE Delft); drs. S. Jense (Climate Cleanup); O.Z. van Sandick (Stichting Wellbeing Economy Alliance Nederland); drs. P. Bouwman (CE Delft); drs. P. Deckers (Stichting Caring Doctors);
Policymakers, the media, and citizens lack a coherent overview of the costs, social impact, and risks associated with current and delayed climate policies. While scientific knowledge regarding social costs and benefits is abundant, it remains fragmented and inaccessible. This project aggregates existing Social Cost-Benefit Analyses (SCBA / MKBA) in the fields of climate, health, economy, and ecology onto a single publicly accessible platform, highlighting their interdependencies. By doing so, we enhance the understanding of ‘inaction’ scenarios, improvement potentials, and the interconnectedness of crises for both citizens and those making critical decisions about our collective future.
The Definition of the Community
J.M. den Uyl (Stichting Constitutie voor de Commons); N. van der Heijden (SMEE advies); J. van der Heijden (TNO); D.G.H. Lohuis (Dennis Lohuis – ontwerper); M. Nijman (Pure & Lean);
This project investigates the unclear definition of ‘community’ in Dutch law and policy. Different sectors (energy, care, housing, environmental law) use divergent definitions, slowing transitions. The research analyzes four phases: legal foundations, practice testing, intervention design, and completion. Central is the community-government-market triangle. Goal is a unified understanding of community that facilitates integral climate transitions.
Output: policy interventions, legislative proposals, and knowledge products
The social value of housing cooperatives
G. Roemers (Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS)); A. van Doorn (Stichting Social Value Foundation); P. Duchting (Stichting CrowdBuilding); B.C. van Veen (21 Markets BV); M. Eaisaouiyen (Vereniging Cooplink); F. Reuter (21 Markets BV); M. Molema (Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS)); T.W. Maassen (Platform Wooncoöperaties Amsterdam);
The Dutch housing market is stuck due to a shortage of affordable, public anchored housing. Cooperative housing provides a more sustainable and collective alternative but scaling up remains difficult because its societal value is not sufficiently visible and divided among governments, cooperatives and society. In this project, we develop and test, together with cooperatives, municipalities and financers, a practical methodology to assess the societal costs and benefits of cooperative housing. We make the costs of doing nothing explicit through affordability, social cohesion, sustainability, and housing security, resulting in a brochure and manual supporting better governance, decision making, and finance.
WaterCommons Statia — well‑being as the starting point for an island transition
prof. dr. M. Bartels (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam); B.A. van de Kraats MSc(Stichting XplorIT)
Sint Eustatius (aka Statia) is a dynamic island with strong community. Everyone wants to, but the system that durably organises intrinsic drive and collective potential, around for example food security, water, and health is missing. WaterCommons Statia builds that system via social innovation built from the people themselves. A semi-mobile desalination unit delivers affordable irrigation water as a shared community good. Xplorit and the VU Amsterdam investigate and document how the BoostX social innovation infrastructure, grounded in scientific research on wellbeing as a catalyst for collective action, works at community scale and can be replicated in comparable island communities.
The ‘Economic Transition’ Kennis-in-Actie grant emerged earlier this year from the programme of the same name, ‘Economic Transition: the costs and benefits of (In)Action’, in which KIN builds on the premise that we are (or will be) irrevocably reaching limits in our current economy, whilst there are economic alternatives that yield significant benefits, both financially and in terms of health and well-being. An intensive two-day Crutzen workshop held at the end of January, attended by participants from research, policy and practice, resulted in a Knowledge-in-Action agenda for Economic Transition.
About Knowledge-in-Action grants
Knowledge-in-Action grants have been developed by KIN within the ‘Knowledge-in-Action’ programme line to mobilise academia and practice together for just climate transitions. We view transition interventions as a research method based on the principle of ‘learning by doing and doing whilst learning’. Knowledge institutions and civil society organisations can jointly submit proposals for transformative, experimental projects across various themes: which potential solutions, research questions and transition learning objectives can accelerate the desired transition?