Integrated innovation leads to successful societal transformations

For major societal transformations, technology alone is not enough. Only by structurally integrating social and societal factors – such as behaviour, habits, regulation and public support – can innovation truly make an impact. That is the focus of the upcoming action plan for integrated innovation.

What does such an integrated approach deliver? NEON Research – an interdisciplinary programme led by Eindhoven University of Technology and funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) – shows how technology and behaviour can reinforce each other. In collaboration with governments, businesses and knowledge institutions, NEON develops digital simulations and tests solutions in real-world living labs. This allows policymakers to test and adjust decisions based on societal realities.

For instance: how do citizens respond to shared mobility in their neighbourhood? What happens when energy tariffs shift? And how can wind turbines or solar installations be introduced without triggering public resistance?

Our simulations helped politicians in Brabant make better-informed decisions on solar and wind energy. That created surprising common ground between political parties usually at odds with each other

– Auke Hoekstra (NEON Research)

The NEON researchers stress the need for genuine dialogue between disciplines – from engineering to psychology, and from policy to philosophy. Only with such a broad approach can innovation contribute meaningfully to societal transformation.

From recommendation to action

The action plan for integrated innovation is being developed by a consortium comprising NWO, the SSH Council, TNO Vector and CLICKNL. The plan builds on the 2024 advisory report ‘Natural connections’ by the AWTI, which calls for embedding social sciences and humanities (SSH) research into innovation policy.

The action plan will provide practical tools and recommendations, especially for policymakers, research funders and knowledge institutions. It will be presented at a public symposium at the end of 2025, which will also mark the start of the implementation phase.

Read the full article about NEON Research and integrated innovation:

Original interview and article by Jos Nierop (SSH Council).