In this paper we present a framework to map the social costs and benefits of the Dutch probation services and present the initial results of a social cost benefit analysis using large data sets. The social benefits of the Dutch probation services seem to add up to about double the costs of probation. …

Met trots en een positieve blik kijken we terug op het derde hink-stap-SPRONG-jaar van het Expertisenetwerk Systemisch Co-Design (ESC). Dit samenwerkingsverband tussen vier hogescholen in de Randstad, acht designlectoraten, hun onderzoekers en werkveldpartners heeft zich ontwikkeld tot een krachtig methodologisch …

Research conducted by Universities of Applied Sciences (UASs) is frequently driven by professional practice where researchers are challenged with finding solutions to real-life problems. These real-life solutions are significantly enhanced by the participation of stakeholders. Through this inclusion …

In the face of increasingly complex societal challenges, the field of social design is being called upon to deepen its ability to create long-term, systemic impact. This project, conducted with five experienced social designers and one workshop in our ESConference in 2025, explored how systems thinking, …

Social design is a growing practice field and expected to create impact on socio-technical systems and society at large. It positions designers to commit themselves to long-term visions and coordinate social change accordingly (Tromp & Vial, 2023). This requires designers to have a good understanding …

In recent decades, higher education institutions have undergone a profound transformation, expanding their missions from teaching and research toward a stronger societal engagement and impact. Within this context, Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences (UASs) offer a distinctive case: since the formal …

"Understanding and enhancing the societal impact of educational innovation is a persistent challenge. This article presents the Network Impact Model, a framework that makes the ripple effects of collaborative practices visible across educational levels and disciplines. Using the implementation of a German …

"Sustainability education requires inter- and transdisciplinary approaches that integrate environmental, economic, technical, and social perspectives to address complex societal challenges. This article presents the bachelor’s and master’s programmes in Sustainable Development and Applied Sustainability …

Gaasperdam, located in Amsterdam’s southeastern region, is a diverse neighborhood with a population of approximately 30, 000 residents. The area is characterized by a mix of social housing and privately owned homes, with several residential high-rises built during the 1970s and 1980s. In terms of education, …

Innovations often get stranded between concept and implementation, Living Labs serve as vital testing grounds where ideas are translated into real-world impact. At the Celcius House in Amersfoort, students, researchers, companies, and municipalities collaborate to shape the sustainable and healthy neighborhoods …