Co-design
What is Co-Design?
Co-design is a collaborative way of working that brings together Knowledge institutes, Entrepreneurs, Non-governmental organisations, and Government bodies—what we call KENGi partners. Rather than seeing project initiators as just recipients of results, co-design treats them as co-creators, actively contributing their own expertise and lived experience. This helps ensure the solutions we create are practical, relevant, and truly meet local needs.
More than Infrastructure
When designing Metropolitan Food Clusters, co-design goes beyond physical infrastructure (or "hardware"). It also involves:
Orgware – supporting organisational development, business models, cooperation, and policy frameworks
Software – building human capacity through training, skills development, and continuous learning
Together, these layers support long-term system change—not just new technology, but new ways of working and relating.
Driving System Innovation
The goal of co-design is system innovation. This means not only developing new solutions, but also reshaping how stakeholders collaborate. It’s about creating real, lasting change in how agriculture and food systems function—especially in the face of globalisation and fast-changing societal needs.
We Facilitate Co-Design
At Wageningen MFC, we organise and support effective co-design processes. KENGi partners often have different goals—scientists may aim for publications, businesses seek profit, NGOs advocate for values, and governments work for the public good.
Our role is to balance these interests, foster collaboration, and most importantly, build trust. Trust is the foundation for innovation. It allows diverse actors to explore new possibilities, overcome barriers, and move beyond conflict or resistance to change.