Kennisland researches and designs social progress
The Netherlands is prospering in many respects, at least on paper. But who benefits from this? Old ideas, systems and organisation structures often clash with new values, needs and opportunities. Our education system is excellent, but under enormous pressure. Our population is ageing and is becoming increasingly diverse, but too few people are willing and able to deliver good care. Our cities are booming, but inequality is increasing. These are just a few of the complex social problems that stand in the way of an open, learning, inclusive and sustainable society. For more than twenty years, we have worked tirelessly to realise such a knowledge society – with knowledge in all its forms as a source of prosperity and well-being, through social innovation.
Sustainable social progress rooted in practice
Kennisland excels when dealing with complex situations that affect everyone. Instead of allowing ourselves to become paralysed by the complexity of social problems, we roll up our sleeves and get to work. Because we are not just a think tank – we are also a do tank. We make society smarter, more social and more creative through practical experiments with new opportunities for the future – because this is the only way of finding the best answers and questions. We apply what we learn in practice to improve that same practical environment.
Always together with those directly involved
Whatever we do, we do it together with those directly involved. We harness the knowledge and experience of people closest to the problem. These include teachers, nurses and residents, but also policymakers, politicians and scientists. Together with these stakeholders, we experiment to develop future-proof, positive change that benefits society as a whole, rather than just the happy few. Our projects create space, time and resources to step out of the daily routine and innovate. Thankfully there are many courageous people who share our concerns, dreams and ambitions. We find them in every layer of society and bring them together. Based on the principle of equality, we work together to develop interventions, strategies and methods that realise social progress.
See how our projects and custom made methods and approaches contribute to a better society.