Social Innovators | PONT x DDF (DDW)

Society is constantly evolving, and complex social challenges demand new ways of collaborating and taking action. How can social innovators, designers, policymakers, and challenge owners, connect and create impact together? During Dutch Design Week 2025, De Publieke Ontwerppraktijk (PONT) and Coalitions bring these changemakers together for a morning of inspiration, knowledge sharing, and meaningful encounters.

Participation is free.

The morning opens with a talk by writer Tommy Wieringa, who will speak about his essay Optimism Without Hope. He argues that even in times of climate crisis and uncertainty, we must continue to act, even without expecting a drastic improvement in circumstances. It’s a form of optimism that drives action: doing the “right things” without reward or guaranteed success. A mindset that designers, policymakers, and other social innovators can deeply relate to. The keynote with Tommy Wieringa is organised by PONT and Coalitions, in collaboration with Design United.

Moderator Marsha Simon will guide the morning, taking us through inspiring examples and real-world experiences from social innovators. On stage:

• Martijn Paulen, Director of Dutch Design Foundation, introduces DDF’s programmes De Publieke Ontwerppraktijk (PONT) and Coalitions.
• Danielle Arets, lector, shares insights from her research on navigating the in-between: how to create space for change between different worlds and stakeholders.
• Nynke Tromp, Programme Director of PONT, offers a look inside the PONT programme, showing how public institutions are creating room for new ways of working. She shares key lessons and achievements.
• Alliander & Fillip Studios showcase how, as a challenge owner and design studio, they developed a structure within Alliander that allows a design-driven approach to thrive, discussing what worked, what didn’t, and the impact they achieved.

• Tabo Goudswaard, Strategic Developer of Coalitions, illustrates how the Coalitions programme by Dutch Design Foundation goes beyond mere connection: it’s a movement that creates a safe space for social innovators to find each other, strengthen one another, and explore new possibilities together.

The morning concludes with an intimate collective ritual, an exercise that helps participants get to know each other on a personal level. Openness, vulnerability, and connection are central, precisely what social innovation needs.