From silos to synergy: organisational learning in post-industrial cities

Researchers from EUR, UCC, MaU and OU have been exploring a variety of theories and methods, offering space and tools for civil servants in Rotterdam to explore new ways of working. Center for City Futures organised a seminar alongside the UNIC thematic conference in Malmö to exchange ideas about new ways of dealing with the complex challenges that post-industrial cities are facing. Twenty-seven representatives from different UNIC universities (MaU, OU, Liége, EUR) as well as municipalities (City of Malmö, City of Rotterdam) participated in the seminar.

The starting point for a wider dialogue between the participants was the work of the House of Awkwardness learning hub in Rotterdam that was presented by Maarten Nijpels, Strategic Advisor at the City of Rotterdam. The presentation covered aspects such as the importance of collaborating both between organisations/sectors but also within organisations, i.e. across silos.

Maarten Nijpels described how the City of Rotterdam has created a collaborative structure in three layers, connecting a network of colleagues in vertical and horizontal streams. He also emphasised the importance of informal and formal networks, and approaches that are more based on holistic thinking rather than instrumental processes characterised by only technical rationale

Further, he stressed the need to work from the bottom up, coupled with a mandate from the top level of management. This resonated with the rest of the participants, and the challenge of creating and maintaining these structures was recognised in the discussion that followed. While Rotterdam and Malmö face similar challenges in how to organise across silos, there are also significant differences in how the cities operate.

The next steps based on his approach were also discussed, such as initiating dialogue locally about if this way of thinking and working could be applied, and if so how. Researchers from the UNIC universities are also planning a training course in artistic and speculative design methods together with the City of Rotterdam to take place during the autumn.