Innovation acceleration: Vanhulley Zowerkthet

Vanhulley transforms company textiles into new products and offers women with a distance to the labour market work–learning programmes. With Zowerkthet!, a new approach is introduced: Vanhulley participants undertake internships at companies in Groningen to build a network and discover where their interests lie.

Strengthening societal earning capacity through a regional ecosystem

Together with the Professorship Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship and the Professorship Human Capital, we examined Vanhulley’s Zowerkthet programme in order to strengthen the ecosystem. In doing so, we contribute to enhancing societal earning capacity and circularity.

Realistic evaluation

Using a realist evaluation, the Zowerkthet programme was examined. Participating companies were interviewed about their experiences with the Vanhulley participant. In addition, other social enterprises in the Netherlands—The Colour Kitchen, Fraenck, Cre8 and Breedweer—provided input on the approach within Zowerkthet.

This project has resulted in practical tools for establishing a regional innovation ecosystem that supports an inclusive labour market and a circular value chain.

Results

We observe that the Zowerkthet programme has been carefully designed and fits well within SMEs in the Northern Netherlands, particularly those with an informal and accessible working culture. The programme has an impact on both the women and the companies where they undertake their internships.

We also find that the ecosystem can be further strengthened: companies are keen to learn more about more sustainable and socially responsible business practices. At the same time, they are willing to contribute their expertise to further enrich the programme.

Funding

The Professorship Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship led this project, which was funded through the PPP allowance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy via CLICKNL. CLICKNL is the Top Consortium for Knowledge and Innovation (TKI) for the Creative Industries.