A.L. Dedden MSc (Annemarie)

My ambition is to understand what drives collective action for the sustainability transition. At the University of Twente, I am studying interorganizational collaboration, innovation and learning communities within the context of energy transition and sustainable innovation. Since many scholars and practitioners have stressed that sustainability transitions require systemic approaches, different organizations and disciplines will increasingly have to collaborate to learn and act effectively. Beyond knowledge boundaries, there are political boundaries and identity issues need to be worked through to effectively work together. I am very interested in how professionals placed in such demanding and challenging environments work together, develop and change a (shared or dispersed) understanding and come to their decisions and actions. To develop relevant insights, I will develop and execute my research from within these collaborative communities in collaboration the professionals.

My background as trained engineer and experience in interdisciplinary work as a consultant and project leader strongly shaped my interest in the subjects I am studying today. In my experience, well founded and sustainable solutions were only designed, when sufficient interdisciplinary understanding was developed. For that to happen an environment for such interdisciplinary learning and exploration needed to be created. This requires careful political and interhuman work, that in my experience was crucial for valuable outcomes to be achieved.

In my teaching, I work with (future) engineering professionals to explore the “social and human” challenges involved in sustainability transitions. I am highly committed to my students learning and well-being. In my teaching I make use of simulations and reflective methods to make knowledge and skills tangible and fun. I am dedicated to role modelling and facilitating vulnerability in my classroom and learning alongside my students.

Organisations

• Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), Professional Learning & Technology (PLT)