From 11–13 February 2026, we invite all transition makers to celebrate four years of ESC and mark the beginning of the next phase of the Expertisenetwork Systemic Co-design. During this three-day conference in and around Pakhuis de Zwijger (Amsterdam), designers, societal organizations and researchers will come together to learn from inspiring practice stories (11 Feb), field expeditions (12 Feb), and impact on practice and education (13 Feb).
A new chapter for Systemic Co-design
After four years of collaboration, we take a moment to reflect on what we learned and created, together and, above all, what lies ahead. What have we discovered about Systemic Co-Design, and how can we apply insights to the societal challenges we now face, and to particular contexts like healthcare, social work, energy transition and Green Cities?
A programme of meaningful encounters
Expect three days (each also visitable separately) full of keynotes, workshops, and interactive sessions, where designers, researchers, and societal partners share knowledge, methods, and impact stories:
- 11 February – Practice in Focus
A day full of inspiring stories from practice. Ongoing, completed, and new projects from across the network showcase how Systemic Co-Design works in action, and in particular transition contexts.
- 12 February – Expedition Day
We head into the field. Participants visit locations where, in recent years, designers, citizens, and municipalities have been working together on social challenges.
- 13 February – Impact & Education
The closing day focuses on further translating research into education and practice. What has four years of ESC delivered, and how do we continue building towards lasting impact?
What to expect
Throughout the conference, you can expect a mix of inspiration, reflection, and experience. With keynotes including:
- Klaus Sailer from the Start for Future Cooperative, an innovation alliance spanning more than 30 countries (now also a partner of ESC), connecting universities, start-ups, companies, and public organisations to drive systemic innovation and social impact.
- Joeri van Steenhoven, Executive Board member at Leiden University of Applied Sciences and Chair of the Zuid-Holland Impact Alliance, on building (entrepreneurial) ecosystems through roles in municipalities and universities.
Join workshops from projects such as De Wijk als Biotoop, AI Maps, and the ESC IDG Hub, to explore systemic co-design in practice yourself. Need a break from sessions? Visit the ESCape Room: an exhibition filled with tangible installations, products, and artefacts from across the network, or connect with peers, colleagues, and transition makers from all over the country.
Still hungry for inspiration? On 11 and 13 February, we’ll also present two new books from within the ESC network, offering practical tools and insights for designing in contexts of transition.
We look forward to celebrating and shaping this next phase together with you.
The conference will be held mainly in English. Some workshops will be in Dutch; this will be indicated in advance.