The harvest of the THRIVE x KIN Purpose Accelerator program? A practical selection framework for KIN and new ‘knowledge brokers’.
It was an exciting moment for the 7 researchers of the THRIVE X KIN Purpose Accelerator last December. During a final presentation at KIN, the group members shared their conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis of 10 different pilot projects in the field of climate interventions and systems change. To select the projects that could truly drive systemic change in the Netherlands, the researchers developed a practical framework. Initially, it focuses on three key sectors: healthcare, agriculture & food, and energy, but the framework is more broadly applicable. The research results provide an insightful and realistic perspective on how to approach projects that contribute to systemic climate transitions in the Netherlands. The group also offers concrete recommendations for KIN, which can be found in the report released alongside the final presentation: Catalyzing the Innovation Ecosystem. Empowering Pilot Projects.
At KIN, we are very pleased with both the results and the value of the Purpose Accelerator developed by the THRIVE Institute. The methodology helps researchers build skills to work as ‘knowledge brokers’ and bridge the gap between science and practice to create greater societal impact with their research.
About KIN x THRIVE
KIN partnered with THRIVE, the expert on impact making and navigating complexity, in 2024. Through THRIVE’s proven method ‘the Purpose Accelerator’, a working group of multidisciplinary researchers has been formed to create an evidence base for climate valorisation under guidance. With valorisation, you make knowledge of value for economic or societal use.
For five months, in addition to their (diverse) research projects, the PhD candidates went on to research good examples of pilots and interventions in the field of climate neutrality and resilience. To learn how we can best harness the potential from science for climate transition. What should we organise to make relevant insights from research lead to major societal impact most quickly and effectively?
Knowledge brokers
The researchers spent four hours a week training as knowledge brokers and putting this knowledge into practice. In the meantime, they learn from experts in the field of knowledge brokering, system and climate transition and valorisation. Valorisation is the process of creating value from knowledge, by making knowledge suitable and/or available for economic and/or social use and translating it into products, services, processes and new business. This gave them the opportunity to gain experience in addressing urgent and complex societal issues from practice, establish a solid evidence base and achieve concrete steps, which will be useful for the future efforts of the KIN.
Read previously published posts on the THRIVE X KIN Purpose Accelerator Programme:
