KEMs
Research agenda
What is the KEM-
research agenda?
Direction for the development of knowledge & innovation
The KEM agenda is a research agenda that provides direction for the necessary research into tools and methods that contribute to solving societal challenges. We call these methods KEMs, short for Key Enabling Methodologies. The research agenda is for everyone who works on transition issues, with researchers and policymakers as the primary target group. View the KEM agenda via the links below.
The aim of this website is to make the applicable knowledge from this agenda more accessible to professionals in practice.
Imagination in Transitions
What is in it
the agenda?
The basis for change and further development
In simple terms, the agenda provides an overview of eleven categories of KEMs. Within each category, it maps out which methods are available, what the scientific state of affairs is, which urgent research questions there are and what knowledge we still lack. In doing so, it does not go into depth on the individual 'instruments' (methods, strategies, models, processes, tools) but refers to the original research.
The agenda offers inspiration and input for research and further development of KEMs. Given the nature of the complex, 'multidisciplinary' challenges, the further development of these tools is urgently needed to initiate and sustain the desired change. The KEM agenda thus forms the research basis for missions, transitions, and transformations – and thereby also for (mission-driven) innovation policy.
Imagination in Transitions
What is in it
the agenda?
The basis for change and further development
Simply put, the agenda provides an overview of eight categories of KEMs. Within each category, it maps out which methods are available, what the scientific state of affairs is, which urgent research questions there are and what knowledge we still lack. In doing so, it does not go into depth on the individual 'instruments' (methods, strategies, models, processes, tools) but refers to the original research.
The agenda provides inspiration and nourishment for research and further development of KEMs. Because given the nature of the complex, 'multidisciplinary' challenges, the further development of these tools is essential to initiate and sustain the desired change. The KEM agenda thus forms the research basis for missions, transitions and transformations - and thus also the Mission-driven Innovation Policy.
Where does the
agenda come from?
Origin in mission-driven innovation policy
The origins of the KEM agenda lie within the mission-driven top sectors and innovation policy (2020–2025). With this policy, the Cabinet aims to strengthen the innovative capacity of the Netherlands to address societal challenges jointly and in an integrated manner.
This policy has recently changed somewhat: mission-driven innovation is now embedded in the new industrial and innovation policy. The focus herein lies on a combination of mission-driven innovation and an industrial policy aimed at strengthening promising markets and technologies, with attention to economic earning capacity and strategic autonomy.
Addressing societal challenges relies on cross-sectoral collaboration between science, applied research, businesses, and civil society organizations. Key Innovation Models (KEMs) are the methods, strategies, processes, and tools that help professionals achieve the desired innovations.
Part of KIA MV
To effectively coordinate the many innovation activities in the Netherlands, eight Knowledge and Innovation Agendas (KIAs) have been drawn up for the period 2024–2027: Climate and Energy (IKIA), Circular Economy, Agriculture, Water and Food, Health and Care, Security, Key Technologies, Digitalisation, and Social Earning Capacity.
The KEM agenda is part of this latest KIA: Social Earning Capacity (KIA MV). KIA MV is coordinated by CLICKNL.
Need for more knowledge
The KEM research agenda was developed because of the crucial role of KEMs in mission-driven innovation policy. On the one hand, to improve our knowledge and stimulate development. On the other hand, to increase the general understanding of and awareness about KEMs. In this way, 'key methodologies', and with them the creative industry, are given a prominent place in the government's research programming.
A program for KEMs
CLICKNL views the KEMs as one of the topics in which the creative industry plays an important role. Within the KEMs program, CLICKNL brings parties together with the aim of exchanging and expanding knowledge about methods. In the coming years, the program, together with the KEM network, will focus on better utilizing and applying methods in practice.
