ONBOUND
Working on the boundaries of science and society to co-create new pathways for impact.
Our vision
Imagine treating universities as dynamic and complex systems which are central to societal change, using techniques similar to those used to plan and develop cities. This is the vision that drives Onbound and justifies our systematic and community-based approach. Drawing on a decade of experience in strategic project development in higher education and urban development expertise, we enhance the transformative power of universities.Onbound bridges the gap between higher education institutions and societal challenges, supporting university leaders to initiate strategic projects that achieve both institutional change and societal impact. From interdisciplinary institutes to entrepreneurship hubs, joint degree programmes and university alliances, we help institutions navigate complexity and realise their full societal potential. We brings together research, teaching, student and service communities, each with their own unique contributions and challenges.Onbound aligns these diverse needs and aspirations, guiding each step with clarity to navigate the complexities together. Our work at Onbound redefines universities as dynamic platforms for social change, far beyond their traditional role as learning institutions. We believe that every community within a university can have a significant impact on society, and our mission is to unlock that potential.
Our service
Our expertise lies in strategic innovation, co-design and action learning, which we apply to help universities turn strategic goals into reality.At the start of each project, we carefully assemble project teams with the right mix of expertise and capacity. A typical project lasts 12-18 months and may include- Scoping the project with key stakeholders- Undertaking benchmarking studies to identify best practice- Mapping of existing resources, barriers and levers- Needs assessment with affected communities- Co-designing a vision and scenarios with key stakeholders- Provide a framework for action learning for innovation- Facilitate strategic and collaborative decision-making- Develop governance model, business case and monitoring- Create a roadmap, including timelines, milestones and resource allocation- Support the implementation of an action plan by monitoring progress- Launching the initiative and building the communityRead more about our track record and see different configurations and applications.
Our projects
Find out more about our past and present projects, people and associations on LinkedIN- Una Europa Joint Institute of Advanced Studies Feasibility Study (ongoing). Facilitation of needs assessment, resource mapping and scenario co-design for a new European Institute.- La Caixa PhD/Postdoc Training with SIRIS Academic (ongoing). Facilitation of sessions on innovation, entrepreneurship and societal impact for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to enhance their leadership potential.- JRC Scoping Study on Place-Based Leadership (2023). Identifying opportunities to strengthen regional innovation capacity of leaders in university and regional government .- PIONEER Alliance (2023). Supporting a European university to develop a mission, vision and projects for SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities.- Egyptian Research Based Enterprises with KnowledgeE (2023). Designed and delivered a training programme for Egyptian researchers to promote entrepreneurship.- Porta Diagonal Barcelona (2023). Conducted a study on the potential of an international branch campus as an anchor of the emerging innovation district.- GovernU with Université Paris Cité (2022). Conducted a needs assessment, benchmarking and co-design of pilots to strengthen French leadership teams in higher education.- K2K Ivory Coast (2021). Design and delivery of an entrepreneurship education programme for Ivorian university lecturers.- PLNT The Hague (2021). Organise co-design sessions and develop strategic positioning for PLNT at Campus The Hague of Leiden University.- The city as a classroom, leren me de stad (2018). Creating an university-city interface to enhance engagement of students, lecturers and local government officials in urban transitions.- Joint Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Minor. Degree Frugal Innovation (2017) Curriculum co-design of a joint degree on sustainable development in the Global South.- Establishment of the Hague Humanity Hub (2016). Conducted a feasibility study and supported the initiation of an innovation hub for NGO's in the peace and justice sector.- Joint Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Minor in Responsible Innovation (2013). Co-designed and prepared the first LDE joint minor focusing on responsible innovation.
Our approach
With a proven track record, Onbound initiates strategic projects ranging from interdisciplinary institutes and joint degree programmes to innovation centres and university alliances. These efforts bridge academia, industry, government and community organisations, fostering environments where transformative change can flourish.Using a systems thinking approach, we engage university communities in co-design and action learning processes. This methodology aims to enhance leadership development, build strategic capacity and create spaces for meaningful collaboration.At the start of each project, we carefully assemble project teams with the right mix of expertise and capacity. Our work addresses critical topics of strategic positioning, governance, business case development, partnership development, actions planning, team development, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.At its core, Onbound is committed to reimagining higher education's contribution to a future that is inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable for all.
Get in touch
Drawing on a curated network, our founder Sjoerd Louwaars carefully assembles teams that bring together the right mix of skills and experience. This approach ensures that you work with professionals who have a deep understanding of higher education, research and innovation. Through strong relationships and an innovative approach, we are dedicated to turning your strategic goals into reality.Let's discuss how we can transform higher education together - connect via LinkedIN, call or drop us a line below.T +31 6 2883 8252
E hello@onbound.org
www.linkedin.com/in/sjoerdlouwaars/
Thank You
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