Socially Responsible Energy Innovation

What is Socially Responsible Innovation?

Maatschappelijk Verantwoord Innoveren (MVI) is an approach where we consciously place innovations within the energy transition in a socio-ecological context. As a cross-cutting theme of the Top Sector Energy, we work together with all TKIs, MMIPs, and other cross-cutting themes on joint projects. As an Energy Innovation NL, we are doing well [read: 'socially responsible'] if we can shape the energy transition in such a way that we stay within the ecological ceiling and safeguard the social foundation."

Note: TKI stands for 'Topconsortia for Knowledge and Innovation' and MMIPs are 'Mission-Driven Innovation Programs'. These are specific to the Dutch context and are used to organize and stimulate innovation in various sectors.

How do we do this?

We work from our vision that we have to do this together, based on trust and awareness of a bigger picture. That as humanity, we behave in such a way that we stay within planetary boundaries (het ecologisch plafond) and safeguard social minimums (het sociaal fundament).

By, among other things, working on knowledge development, supporting good examples, setting up education and living labs, and providing a platform for pioneers, we give Socially Responsible Innovation a practical form and naturally make it part of the energy transition. We do this in collaboration with the four TKIs under the Energy Innovation NL, supporting them to further integrate this philosophy."

Note: TKI stands for 'Topconsortia for Knowledge and Innovation', a specific organization model used in the Dutch context to stimulate innovation in various sectors.

Our Innovation Program

The MVI-Innovatie program consists of the following four activities:

A. Support and guide TKIs and mission teams in integrating the philosophy of a socially responsible approach into MMIPs, and defining issues that form a cross-link between these different MMIPs.

B. Setup and guidance of lab-like / 'whole system in the room' approaches. In 2023, for example, we are doing this by working on the question of how the energy transition can contribute to the recovery of the health and livability of the Westerschelde.

C. Setup and guidance of strategic explorations around a central question. We are doing this in 2023, for example, by studying how the energy transition can contribute to the agricultural transition. An example of this is the area-level exploration in Salland. Here, parties are brought together and relationships are established between the different disciplines and domains to come up with solutions to problems together.

D. Setup and guidance of projects and programs that aim to strengthen capacities to innovate integrally (SRI skills). For example, the multi-benefit approach to energy saving industry, where shared benefits are sought in consultation and coherence."

Note: TKI stands for 'Topconsortia for Knowledge and Innovation' and MMIPs are 'Mission-Driven Innovation Programs'. These are specific to the Dutch context and are used to organize and stimulate innovation in various sectors. The Westerschelde is a large estuary in the Netherlands, and Salland is a region in the east of the country.

Networking

Within the larger innovation ecosystem of the Energy Innovation NL, we are the internal engine to innovate in a socially responsible manner, step by step. For this, we organize collaborations where the ownership is in the middle and the participants, based on empathy and shared values, arrive at socially responsible solutions."

Note: 'Top Sector Energy' refers to a specific Dutch government initiative aimed at promoting innovation in the energy sector.