To enable sound diagnosis, training and advice, this project takes a multi-level/multi-function perspective on representative negotiation in inter-group conflict in policy and industry. Three core outcomes ? (a) the development of creative agreements, (b) within-constituency conflict and consensus, and (c) inter-group perceptions and hostility ? are considered to depend on (1) the representative?s individual-level cognition, affect, and motivation, (2) within-constituency dynamics, and (3) the broader inter-group relations. In 2 PhD and 1 Postdoc project hypotheses will be tested using experiments, case studies, and quantitative surveys. Results will be communicated in academic and professional publications and will serve as input for training and development programs.

Over the past decade, the typical Dutch university classroom has changed into an international and ethnically diverse classroom. This is accompanied by many opportunities, but also by challenges such as lower feelings of inclusion and poorer performance. Increasing empirical evidence shows that these challenges can be (partially) countered with a pluralistic/intercultural approach that recognizes differences as added value. Therefore, this project developed and implemented workshops that train faculty and students knowledge and skills on diversity (3 lecturer workshops and 1 student workshop + train-the-trainer) as well as scans that critically assess and optimize the curriculum and communication.

Understanding the effectiveness of learning within learning communities Learning communities (LCs) are in vogue to promote organizational learning. Yet, a theory that explains whether, when and why LCs work is missing. To guide effective LCs, we develop and test an innovative ‘bottom-up’ model of how learning takes shape within LCs and how learning transfers from LCs to organizations.

The logistics workforce often lacks the knowledge and skills to utilize the rapidly developing ICT-innovations. Addressing this problem, our SMART4L proposal aims to increase the learning capacity of logistics companies and the employability of the logistics workforce by (re)designing, optimizing, and substantiating three regional learning communities (Port of Twente, Logistics Lab Zwolle and Kansen met Data-Datalab) in which companies, knowledge-, educational-, and sector institutions collaborate. SMART4L will do so with key insights about effective design principles and social processes for collaborative learning and innovation adoption, and by developing a ICT platform to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among stakeholders.

Digital and technological developments (e.g., Artificial Intelligence) are changing the nature of work and the way we do our day-to-day jobs. This continuously requires new knowledge and skills, making learning more important than ever. To live up to these new requirements, organizations are increasingly seeking collaboration within regional networks to exchange knowledge and learn from each other. Yet, while such networks are potentially a powerful source of knowledge, it remains unknown whether and when these regional networks actually contribute to learning. This project aims to uncover how organizations can seize the potential of their regional networks to foster learning.