More and more social change and innovation happens through networks: loosely coordinated partnerships, collaborative platforms, communities of practice, and cross-sector alliances. Yet many of these networks struggle to survive once the initial energy or funding runs out.
How can we design for longevity, rather than dependency? What makes a network resilient, adaptive, and self-sustaining over time — even with limited resources? What role do structure, relationships, purpose, and ownership play in this?
This ESCuela training by Liliya Terzieva (Professor Designing Value Networks THUAS) dives into the art and design of sustaining networks beyond time-bound projects and funding cycles.
Focus of this training
In this ESCuela training, we work with participants to explore principles, tools, and strategies for sustaining networks that matter. Using real examples and a systems-thinking lens, we investigate what enables a network to continue creating value even when formal support fades.
Participants will learn how to map, reflect on, and redesign the dynamics of their own networks — with a focus on ownership, distributed leadership, resource flows, and long-term engagement.
What will you learn?
You will leave this training with:
- A systems perspective on what makes networks resilient and sustainable
- A Network Sustainability Canvas: a practical tool to (re)design your network’s architecture, resource logic, and engagement strategy
- Insight into patterns of growth, decay, renewal in networks
- Strategies for distributed leadership, role rotation, and ownership transfer
- Examples and inspiration from other networks that sustained themselves beyond projects and funding
You will also connect with peers across sectors who face similar challenges and contribute to a growing knowledge base of sustaining networks in social, educational, and design contexts.
For whom?
This training is for anyone who is working to sustain a network, coalition, or community over time, such as:
- Design and innovation professionals
- Researchers or educators in collaborative consortia
- Community organisers and civil society actors
- Coordinators of knowledge platforms or regional alliances
- Policy and program officers in transition domains
Costs: €600,- (ESC-practice partners can join 1 ESCuela training for free).
This training will be in English.
