How does IVM build sustainable relationships with civil society stakeholders?
Sustainable relationships start with good listening. We want to know what stakeholders - such as ministries, insurers and banks - need. By actively engaging in dialogue, at conferences and in one-on-one meetings, we build trust. This way, our research is better aligned with the field and also becomes more relevant.
How do you find out what is going on in the field?
Instead of conducting research and presenting it afterwards, we seek cooperation beforehand. We match research questions to the knowledge needs of partners. This creates a co-creation process in which the results are actually useful for different parties.
Do collaborations come mainly from you, or are you approached as well?
Both. In themes where we are seen as an authority, such as climate risk assessments, we are regularly approached. But in emerging themes, such as new regulations around corporate ESG reporting, we are proactive. We then seek contact ourselves to find out where our scientific added value lies.
What does that look like in practice?
Sometimes we start a small-scale project even before there is funding, for instance together with students. In this way, we build trust and can later include parties in larger project proposals, for instance for the EU or NWO. That makes the proposal stronger and socially relevant.
Do you also organise your own meetings?
Yes, some 240 researchers work within IVM who regularly organise workshops and conferences, often in the context of larger research projects. In EU projects, knowledge dissemination is an important component. We also cooperate with communication professionals in this respect, both internally at the VU and externally.
Are there any examples of structural collaborations?
We set up a partnership with the Dutch Association of Insurers, having already done several projects together. This allows us to discuss structurally what is going on in practice and how we can focus our research accordingly. We also work together with the Red Cross, for instance on emergency aid for climate-related disasters. Someone from the Red Cross even works in our office one day a week.
Sustainable cooperation requires investment. It's about give and take. But strengthening each other leads to better science and more impact in practice.