Change Networks

People seated around a table, engaged in collaborative workshop activities and discussions

Photo: Mette Frandsen

In a change network, 15-20 professionals from businesses, community organisations, and public institutions meet regularly with researchers in a confidential setting, where they delve into new research and exchange practical experiences relating to a topic that features prominently in public debate. The purpose is to build relationships across the research and professional environments that help shape the agenda within the field, and to ensure that different forms of knowledge can enrich the understanding of a controversial issue both among the participants themselves and in the broader public sphere.

Each network typically gathers once a quarter for professional discussions supplemented by social activities once or twice a year. Through facilitated meetings, members of the network work collaboratively to define the most important questions and help determine priorities. At the same time, they formulate concrete recommendations and insights that are discussed at an annual public event and disseminated through public reports.