Resilient in Transition (WiT)

Weerbaar in Transitie (WIT – Resilient in Transition) is a research project focused on improving communication around sustainable system transitions. The project aims to use communication to strengthen trust, engagement and public support in sustainable innovations. Although much is known about public communication in urban development, WIT addresses an underexplored dimension: the impact of disinformation and societal uncertainty within system transitions. 

What is the background of the project? 

The north of the Netherlands has a strong movement of companies, knowledge institutions and governments working on sustainability innovations that contribute to broad prosperity. Clear communication about these innovations is essential for creating public support. Unclear communication around innovation and technology can lead to uncertainty, resistance and disinformation. As a result, stakeholders such as policymakers have limited insight into how citizens perceive innovation, which leads to hesitation in making sustainable choices. This project investigates how communication can strengthen trust, engagement and public support for sustainable innovations.

Project approach 

WIT begins with a focus on sustainable water technology and infrastructure within the Spoordok development project in Leeuwarden. During an initial meeting, regional partners and stakeholders jointly identify the main communication challenges related to circular water systems. In a multi-level hackathon at the MICA Lab, students, researchers, and practitioners co-create prototype communication interventions, which are consolidated into a practical toolkit containing communication guidelines and target-group-specific examples. This toolkit will be presented to policymakers and administrators, with special attention to transition communication and preventing disinformation. The insights will serve as the foundation for a funding proposal aimed at structural scaling.

Project partners 

The project is carried out by researchers and students from NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, and Firda. WIT is funded by the Aanjaagfonds of the University of the North.