3ID LABS
Do you want to make a real impact on society and do you want to be equiped with future-proof skills? 3ID LABS might be your chance to do so. In this program, you create your own solutions to existing social challenges. You work in a team with members from different cultures, ages, degrees, and professions.
- Duration
- 5 months
- Course structures
- Day classes
- Languages
- English
Everything you need to know about 3ID LABS
Modern society evolves quickly and becomes more and more diverse under the influence of trends such as globalisation, digitalisation, flexibilisation, etc. “Schools are facing increasing demands to prepare students for rapid economic, environmental and social changes, for jobs that have not yet been created, for technology that have not yet been invented, and to solve social problems that have not yet been anticipated” (OECD, 2018). The new generation of students should focus on 4 skill sets:
Problem solving: Problem solving, thus, requires the use of analytical and critical thinking in order to spot potential malfunctions or improvements. It also requires initiative, originality, and creativity to promote innovation, as these will be the drivers that can solve an actual problem.
- Self-management: this contains the skill of resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility, as these are the skills needed to continue to maintain a positive mind even when ‘things get tough’ and one needs to recover, learn from mistakes, and move on! The most important part of recovering from a difficult situation is another one of the skills suggested by the World Academic Forum, which is active learning and learning strategies, which comes across as inevitable since the only way to continue to improve in your work is through learning.
- Working with people: another skill that comes across as a very important one is Leadership and social influence. In order to be successful, you will most likely be involved with stakeholders. Therefore, what other choice is there, than to have social skills! It is not only about being able to talk to people. The goal is to understand the difference that you could make if you were able to send your message across and make a difference in people’s views.
- Technology use and development: It is not only about having programming skills, it is also about understanding the power of technology, its use, and how to control it, as this will allow you to understand how projects take place in a much more efficient way.
In 3ID LABS we use a ‘learning by doing- approach. Why? Morgan 2017, stated that the main focus in traditional classrooms, preparing students for passing standardised exams and state assessment is not accurate anymore for the 21st Century. Higher educational institutes are faced with the consequences of a fast-changing world, needing to deliver graduates that are 21st-century proof and giving students the best learning experience possible. From the collaboration with the city of Ghent and 3ID LABS we learned that we both work on the same challenge self-directed education for professional competencies with an impact on society.
And don't forget that you will own the product or service that you created! So you start your own company with the support of Idea Factory and/or The Company.
Teams from different countries professions and ages
Society is diverse and colleagues with very different diplomas have to collaborate on the work floor. Therefore 3ID LABS focuses on diversity. Teams consist of students from Artevelde University of Applied Sciences (from different programs), incoming Erasmus students, and professionals looking for a new challenge. Within each team there is always:
- a student with a passion and training in design, journalism, communication;
- a student with a commercial background;
- a student from a social, educational, or healthcare programme.
Each team is truly international, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary and all members are inspired by the same motive: the ambition to learn about teamwork and have a positive impact on society.
3ID LABS closely collaborates with @level to work (VDAB).
Real-life social challenges
Organisations and companies are welcome to submit a social case they would like to see our students working on. The cases should be in the domains of sustainability and social inclusion, etc. Particularly in Climate Lab we closely collaborate with the city of Ghent and with Climate factory.
As a 3ID LABS team, you will work on one of these challenges in your own start-up environment (24/7 access). For this issue, you will design a service or product which will make a true impact on society. Developing your own business plan, designing a solution or product, creating product demos... It's all part of the game. Coaches, mentors and experts will be there for you throughout the semester to support and guide you.
First step to your own business?
By the end of this semester, you will be a self-aware professional, ready for the challenges the entrepreneurial world brings. Since you are the owner of the product or idea from the very start of the programme, it is even possible to start your own business afterwards.
- If you are a current student you must be at least in the final year of your bachelor programme.
- You have to able to have a fluent conversation in English (Equivalent of B2)
- If you want to participate as a highly trained newcomer in Belgium, you must be registered at the VDAB.
Apply by sending an e-mail to 3IDLABS@arteveldehs.be.
Timeframe
- Autumn semester: September 23 2024 till December 19 2024 (Exam after Jan 6, online possibility for erasmus students)
- Spring semester: February 10 2025 till June 19 2025
How to apply - depending on your situation
I am an Artevelde University of Applied Sciences student
You'll work full-time on your 3ID LABS project during one semester (30 ECTS credits). This module is part of the internationalisation@home project of your programme and counts as a substitute for the ECTS credits of your home programme.
How to apply?
- Apply by sending an e-mail to 3IDLABS@arteveldehs.be.
- You will be invited to an interview via MS Teams to get acquainted with each other. We will have a talk about why you would like to follow this program and will look together if this programme can offer you what you are looking for. 3ID LABS is a setting where English is the standard language. Therefore, we have this interview in English. We don't ask for specific proof of your level of English but, based on the interview, we will decide at what level you are communicating. The standard is B2. In case you would like to have an indication of the level, you can do the ITACE test.
- After the interview, you will be informed whether you can take part in a 3ID LABS program.
- After a positive answer, you can enroll at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences.
I am an incoming Erasmus student
As an incoming Erasmus student at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, you'll work full-time on your 3ID LABS project during one semester at the time of your Erasmus exchange.
How to apply?
- Apply by sending an e-mail to 3IDLABS@arteveldehs.be.
- You will be invited to an interview via MS Teams to get acquainted with each other. We will have a talk about why you would like to follow this program and will look together if this programme can offer you what you are looking for. 3ID LABS is a setting where English is the standard language. Therefore, we have this interview in English. We don't ask for specific proof of your level of English, but based on the interview, we will decide at what level you are communicating. The standard is B2. In case you would like to have an indication of the level, you can do the ITACE test.
- After the interview, you will be informed whether you can take part in a 3ID LABS program.
- In case you receive a positive answer, you can register yourself at Mobility Online. More information on student facilities, housing, etc. can be found here.
- When you have filled in mobility online, please send an e-mail to lieven.desomviele@arteveldehs.be in case you have questions or need more information.
I have a (recent) degree
Do you have a bachelor's or master's degree and some work experience? Are you looking for a new challenge—or a new job even? Are you registered with the VDAB? Upgrade your professional and entrepreneurial skills with a 3ID LABS project. You'll work full-time on the project for one semester.
How to apply?
In case you got in touch with us through VDAB: Talk to your @level2work contactperson (VDAB, Leerwest, In-Gent, Leerwinkel, Agentschapintegratie&inburgering)
VDAB Gent
Sieska Dewaele
0471 57 20 98
- Apply by sending an e-mail to 3IDLABS@arteveldehs.be.
- You will be invited to an interview via MS Teams to get acquainted with each other. We will have a talk about why you would like to follow this program and will look together if this programme can offer you what you are looking for. 3ID LABS is a setting where English is the standard language. Therefore, we have this interview in English. We don't ask for specific proof of your level of English but, based on the interview, we will decide at what level you are communicating. The standard is B2. In case you would like to have an indication of the level, you can do the ITACE test.
- After the interview, you will be informed whether you can take part in a 3ID LABS program.
- After a positive answer, you can enroll at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences.
Case 1: How can we make it possible (or reach?) for everyone to enjoy the water.
Organisation: Vzw Dokano
Website: www.dokano.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge? DOKano uses very low prices for youngster to enjoy out boats because when we ask more, a lot of people don't have the possibility's to do that. If many people enjoy the water they will also take care the water...
Who are we designing for? People who don't have possibility's ( money, place,...) to enjoy the water.
Case 2: Develop innovative ways to tackle loneliness in different populations
Organisation: Social Innovation Factory
Website: www.socialeinnovatiefabriek.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Loneliness is an important 21st Century challenge. Loneliness leads to social isolation, increased health care needs, a decrease of participation in society and lack of quality of life. Loneliness is often associated with the elderly but in fact, it happens to a very diverse group of people: young and old, employed or out of a job, in cities and in rural areas,... We need new ways of tackling loneliness that builds on previous approaches, knowledge and insights from practice and from academia. We need to develop approaches for the diverse group of people who suffer from loneliness.
Case 3: How to make people enjoy the water / the parks without creating a lots of litter
Organisation: DOKano vzw
Website: www.dokano.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge? With VZW dokano we fight the problem of litter in the water almost every day an we are losing the fight. There must be a way to stop the litter, in any kind of way.
Who are we designing for? For all the people that want to enjoy the water / land without all the trash around ( so for everybody I Guess)
Case 4: How can we design something to guide the children with special needs on children's farms?
Organisation: Kinderboerderij Bokkeslot vzw
Website: https://www.bokkeslot.be/
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Children's farm visits are popular leisure activities. They are an important feature of education as well. So young families, schools and youth groups are important customers. Independent private children will be the customer of the future. The children's farm "Bokkeslot" is led by the educational farmer "Willem Labeeuw". Under his leadership, there are a lot of activities.
Volunteers take care of a lot of practical work. In one year there are over 12.000 visitors, 100 animals and 80 volunteers involved. The volunteers are one of the most important stakeholder group. The children's farm is funded by the local council and private partners for about 20% of the total budget. Next, to the funding, they need to be sustainable and independent. We would like to have more time and 'oxygen' for our employees to create new (educational) activities and support the volunteers, instead of doing all of the daily tasks themselves. There is a board based on volunteers and 6 employees are responsible for the daily tasks on the children's farm "Bokkeslot".
Who are we designing for? children/youth between 6 and 14 years old with or without special needs.
Case 5: How can we prepare teachers for the super-diversity in the classrooms?
Organization: Good planet
Website: www.goodplanet.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge? We reach out to schools, teachers, children and youth with educational workshops, tools and coaching. We have our own program on diversity and living together (www.samen11miljoen.be). How can we reach those who are most important in the development of children and youth and give them the right tools to cope with the super-diverse reality of our society? What form do these tools have to possess? We want to focus on the acquisition and implication of skills and attitudes, both among pupils and teachers.
Who are we designing for? In first place for (student) teachers. And also for us, so we can continue to spread the developed tools amongst the (future) teachers by means of workshops, lectures or any means necessary.
Case 6: Media Literacy
Organisation: Social Innovation Factory
Website: www.socialeinnovatiefabriek.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Social innovations and social entrepreneurs develop new ways of tackling societal and environmental challenges and do so often in a non-conventional way. They are innovative and sometimes they can even tackle different challenges at once (e.g. Duo for a Job is a solution for migrant job seekers and for an aging population in the workforce). These aspects - innovation and not being single-issue solutions- make it harder for them to obtain grants, subventions and investments to develop their ideas and make their projects sustainable. At the other spectrum: a lot of philanthropic organisations like foundations, CSR sponsorship, wealthy families, ... also want to make a difference and contribute to a better world. However, the gap between these private funders and social innovators or entrepreneurs is still wide. How do we bridge this gap to support emerging social innovations and starting social enterprises?
Case 7: A “participatory city”, where young people actively participate in a wide range of urban policies as well as in the management of civil society organisations.ship?
Organisation: Ghent European Youth Capital
Website: Will follow soon
What is the context of your problem or challenge? We want to make Ghent a city where the voice of young people is heard more within the city’s policy making and where young people take a more active role in the administration and organization of their schools, their sports clubs, their cultural associations. In other words, more for and by young people.
Case 8: A “co-creative city” where both city services and civil society work together with the common goal of involving and activating young people in the city.
Organisation: Ghent European Youth Capital
Website: Will follow soon
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Both the city’s services and the organizations in the middle field start from the vision, strengths and competences of (young) citizens to think and conceptualize together about the city of tomorrow and to actively work on realizing it.
Case 9: A “vibrant city” where young people are active creators and experimenters in the public space.
Organisation: Ghent European Youth Capital
Website: Will follow soon
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Our Public space is where young people discover themselves, experiment, meet friends and hang-out preferably within a safe framework. Too often this space is often conceived by adults and they are given a spot in it while in some places they are often the main users. We want to put the public space more in the hands of young people and give them the chance to design it, from squares to urban furniture.
Case 10: A “safe city” where minorities feel at home and where the mental well-being of young people is ensured.
Organisation: Ghent European Youth Capital
Website: Will follow soon
What is the context of your problem or challenge? How can we ensure that our city becomes a safe-space for all. Where every young citizen of Ghent can be himself or herself, despite his or her sexual orientation, skin color, origin or disability. And where young people themselves actively set up peer support systems to guarantee this.
Case 11: A “future-proof, green & healthy city” where young people want to live and build a future.
Organization: Ghent European Youth Capital
Website: Will follow soon
What is the context of your problem or challenge? ? The city of tomorrow is one where young people want to continue living within a green, healthy and sustainable framework. We want to combat urban exodus so that young people can continue to see their future in the city even when starting up families themselves.
Case 12: A “committed city” where poverty & discrimination among young people is systematically fought.
Organization: Ghent European Youth Capital
Website: Will follow soon
What is the context of your problem or challenge? The city wants to fight proactively against all forms of discrimination and disadvantage that young people face. The city wants to do this by having a strong policy around these issues but also by actively looking for structural forms of discrimination and disadvantage and by actively tackling these on the ground.
Case 13: A “viable city” with sustainable and safe mobility for young people at a district and city level.
Organization: Ghent European Youth Capital
Website: Will follow soon
What is the context of your problem or challenge? We want to develop initiatives within the city and its outskirts that enhance mobility to, from and within the metropolitan area. We do this in a sustainable way and linked to the mobility policy pursued by the city.
Case 14: How can we help obese people in their eating habits?
Organization: Comon
Website: https://comon.gent/uitdaging/hoe-kunnen-we-zwaarlijvige-mensen-helpen-hun-eetgewoonten
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Look around the city. It is striking how many people are overweight: children, young people, adults. I have the impression that there are more and more people with a too high BMI (Body Mass Index). This will put a huge burden on our healthcare system in the future. Doing something about it takes courage. Not everyone has that courage. Often the right knowledge, guidance and motivation are lacking. Moreover, losing weight is very difficult. That just doesn't work. And diets are often expensive or too difficult and often cause a yo-yo effect. I am thinking especially of psychiatric patients, of detainees, of people with disabilities and of people who live in poverty in our city. Eating or snacking is often a form of comfort or escape for them.
The medical consequences of obesity are … heavy. The social consequences are severe: lack of understanding, exclusion, isolation, loneliness, bullying, unemployment or not finding a job, rent problems, etc. Physical consequences are, for example, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, problems in the knee, leg, hip, lack of comfort, sadness, disappointment, guilt, lack of self-esteem, powerlessness, helplessness, despair, etc.
How can we help obese people, in a non-accusatory, simple, practical, pleasant and inexpensive way, change some dietary habits that will have an effect on their health and well-being?
Who are we designing for? People who suffer from obesitas.
Case 15: How can we create meeting opportunities for people who are looking for more social contacts?
Organization: Comon
contact: Ellen De Geyter
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Don't have family or friends? Then you were alone during Corona. Literal. Many of those people who have been in isolation for a year are now experiencing mental problems. That loneliness was there before, albeit more hidden and less explicit. It is still fresh in our memory: the announcement that we could choose 1 hug contact each. Who chooses whom? And above all: who is not chosen? It was not about the choice of, say, a project at school, but about something more fundamental. For whom do I matter? Who thinks I'm important? Many people were not chosen. And then you stay alone. People are hurt, feel unwanted and unnecessary.
What if you don't belong to a target audience? There are many initiatives to combat loneliness for specific target groups. For example, a youth center for young people, a local service center for the elderly, or group trips for people with disabilities. But what if you don't belong to a target group? How do you start getting to know new people?
Who are we designing for? People without friends.
Case 16: How do we make the historic center accessible for people with a mobility impairment?
Organization: Comon
contact: Nathalie Leclercq
What is the context of your problem or challenge? The heart of our city is 'the place to be' for conviviality and atmosphere. It's where we all like to come. There is also so much to see and experience. And the city belongs to everyone. However? But I miss part of the Gentenaars in our streetscape: the people with a mobility impairment. For example, people in a wheelchair, people with a walking stick or people who have a limp.
Where are all the people in wheelchairs?
They are many, the people who cannot come to the city. The fact that we hardly see wheelchairs in the city says it all. Where are all those people? We can't see them, making them socially invisible to connect with them. Or we do see them, but we can only determine how difficult it must be for them, and for their companions. In order to get to the historic center of the city, people with reduced mobility encounter a series of obstacles that make it difficult or impossible for them to show themselves in the city. We deny a large group of people the right to conviviality and atmosphere in our city, which nevertheless contributes to the quality of our lives.
Legally it's going in the right direction. Back in 2009 we made the promise to improve accessibility. That was over ten years ago. Since April this year, the right to inclusion is not only enshrined in a UN Convention, but also in our Constitution. Getting rid of this inaccessibility bit by bit with very practical and reasonable adjustments, Ghent can do that. I am already looking forward to meeting a fellow citizen in a wheelchair in comfort on a terrace on the Graslei. Or with a family member who is limping, no longer having to count beforehand which and how many streets are passable to reach the destination without a fall. I just dream of a street scene that becomes more representative of the reality of life. Simply because we are all human.
Who are we designing for? People who live in Ghent with a physical impairment
Case 17: How can we map the health situation of a neighbourhood?
Organization: Comon
Website: https://comon.gent/uitdaging/hoe-kunnen-we-de-gezondheids-situatie-van-een-buurt-kaart-brengen
Contact: Ellen De Geyter
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Where is the healthiest life? Information about air pollution, litter, water pollution and noise pollution says something about how healthy or unhealthy the environment is in a particular neighbourhood. People want to know where it is healthiest to live in their city. Where many people live together in a small place, there are more problems of litter, noise pollution, etc. The problem is that many of them do not have the money to move to a neighborhood with fewer health problems. For example, the chance of a healthy living environment is not the same for everyone.
Informed citizens can take initiatives themselves and can raise problems with the government. Because it is especially important to be able to do something about it.
Who are we designing for? Citizins of city of Ghent
Case 18: How do we ensure that (social) media has a positive influence on our well-being?
Organization: Comon
Contact: Joke Vasseur
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Media determines our happiness, Whether we feel good, the media plays a bigger role in this than we think. A stream of negativity comes at us every day. Not just through social media. Just listen to an average news report, which is full of bad news. We sometimes see positive things on social media, but these do not always correspond with reality. Media, as it is currently deployed, tends to have a negative impact on our resilience, on our mental well-being, on our general sense of happiness, etc. There are also many more negative than positive comments on articles in the (social) media. And people necessarily want to share their opinion. That causes acidification. There is also something wrong with the image in the media: ideals of beauty, prejudice and social exclusion take up too much space.
That can be different. People could just become more resilient through media. We could reduce the acidification in the media. How? By conveying positive messages, by humor and relativism, by giving friendly comments on messages, etc. We must start from the strengths of our society and of ourselves. TikTok helps with the self-expression of young people. Social media makes us feel like part of a group. In other words, social media can do some good for our mental health. It can help determine whether we feel good about ourselves, whether we have the energy to try things out, whether we feel vital. We just need to use (social) media in the right way.
Who are we designing for? All of us.
Case 19: How can we communicate better about feelings?
Organization: Comon
Website: https://comon.gent/uitdaging/hoe-kunnen-we-beter-communiceren-over-gevoelens
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Taboo: We have not learned to talk about our feelings. Talking about ourselves and our emotions still requires courage today. How can we make talking about our mental well-being as normal as talking about strep throat? How can we break the taboo surrounding it? Not only is IQ important, so is emotional intelligence (EQ). Social and communication skills are not taught enough in education. Our skills in this are therefore largely determined by our parents and our environment.
That means that we didn't get the same opportunities and we didn't get the same basis. A vicious circle of 'backwardness' must be broken. Communication is speaking and listening, in two directions. Speaking is silver, listening is gold. Better communication about feelings therefore means learning to speak better about our feelings and learning to listen better to others who talk about their feelings. Having good communication skills protects us from psychological problems and has a major positive influence on our mental well-being. And that is necessary, because 1 in 4 people will have to deal with a mental health problem in the course of their life.
Who are we designing for? All people
Case 20: How can we include social employment?
Partner: https://www.bokkeslot.be/
What is the context of your problem or challenge? "Bokkeslot" is led by "Willem Labeeuw," an educated farmer. There are numerous activities under his direction. CSA, local farm shop, recreational activities, education, job reintegration, and so on. Volunteers handle a lot of practical work. Over 12.000 guests, 100 animals, and 80 volunteers participate in one year. One of the most important stakeholder groups is volunteers. The local municipality and business partners provide around 20% of the overall budget to the children's farm. Following investment, they must be self-sustaining and self-sufficient. On the children's farm "Bokkeslot," a board of volunteers and a few employees are in charge of the day-to-day operations.
Note: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects consumers and producers directly to help create a more profitable and transparent local food system.
Who are we designing for? All people
Case 21: How can we ensure that activities have social and educational value?
Partner: https://www.bokkeslot.be/
What is the context of your problem or challenge? "Bokkeslot" is led by "Willem Labeeuw," an educated farmer. There are numerous activities under his direction. CSA, local farm shop, recreational activities, education, job reintegration, and so on. Volunteers handle a lot of practical work. Over 12.000 guests, 100 animals, and 80 volunteers participate in one year. One of the most important stakeholder groups is volunteers. The local municipality and business partners provide around 20% of the overall budget to the children's farm. Following investment, they must be self-sustaining and self-sufficient. On the children's farm "Bokkeslot," a board of volunteers and a few employees are in charge of the day-to-day operations.
Note: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects consumers and producers directly to help create a more profitable and transparent local food system.
Case 22: How can we persuade citizens of the rural context of CSA local farms to shop at the farmshop for sustainable food?
Partner: https://www.bokkeslot.be/
What is the context of your problem or challenge? "Bokkeslot" is led by "Willem Labeeuw," an educated farmer. There are numerous activities under his direction. CSA, local farm shop, recreational activities, education, job reintegration, and so on. Volunteers handle a lot of practical work. Over 12.000 guests, 100 animals, and 80 volunteers participate in one year. One of the most important stakeholder groups is volunteers. The local municipality and business partners provide around 20% of the overall budget to the children's farm. Following investment, they must be self-sustaining and self-sufficient. On the children's farm "Bokkeslot," a board of volunteers and a few employees are in charge of the day-to-day operations.
Note: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects consumers and producers directly to help create a more profitable and transparent local food system.
Case 23: How can visitors discover the farm on their own?
Partner: https://www.bokkeslot.be/
What is the context of your problem or challenge? "Bokkeslot" is led by "Willem Labeeuw," an educated farmer. There are numerous activities under his direction. CSA, local farm shop, recreational activities, education, job reintegration, and so on. Volunteers handle a lot of practical work. Over 12.000 guests, 100 animals, and 80 volunteers participate in one year. One of the most important stakeholder groups is volunteers. The local municipality and business partners provide around 20% of the overall budget to the children's farm. Following investment, they must be self-sustaining and self-sufficient. On the children's farm "Bokkeslot," a board of volunteers and a few employees are in charge of the day-to-day operations.
Note: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects consumers and producers directly to help create a more profitable and transparent local food system.
Case 24: How can we ensure sustainability for CSA farms in the current rural context?
Partner: https://www.bokkeslot.be/
What is the context of your problem or challenge? "Bokkeslot" is led by "Willem Labeeuw," an educated farmer. There are numerous activities under his direction. CSA, local farm shop, recreational activities, education, job reintegration, and so on. Volunteers handle a lot of practical work. Over 12.000 guests, 100 animals, and 80 volunteers participate in one year. One of the most important stakeholder groups is volunteers. The local municipality and business partners provide around 20% of the overall budget to the children's farm. Following investment, they must be self-sustaining and self-sufficient. On the children's farm "Bokkeslot," a board of volunteers and a few employees are in charge of the day-to-day operations.
Note: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects consumers and producers directly to help create a more profitable and transparent local food system.
Case 1: How do we ensure clean air for our children?
Organisation: Comon
Website: https://comon.gent/uitdaging/hoe-zorgen-we-voor-schone-lucht-voor-onze-kinderen
contact: Liliane Van Maldeghem
What is the context of your problem or challenge? I think the health of our little ones in Ghent is very important. They are the weakest among us. The quality of the air in the classrooms at school and outside on the playground determines their health. I want our children to have to go to the doctor less and take less medication. And that there will also be less pressure on our social security. A happier life for children in Ghent, without ailments due to bad air.Clean air at school also improves the learning performance of our children. Because better air quality means they can concentrate better in the classroom. We are all responsible in Ghent. If you take the car for every small move, you contribute to air pollution. When you light the fireplace, you emit fine dust. If you eat a lot of meat, you contribute to air pollution.
Who are we designing for? Citizins of Ghent
Case 2: How can we stimulate citizens to soften their front gardens (less concrete) and make it greener? How can a city and citizens work together to prepare for/adapt to climate change?
Organisation: City of Ghent
Website: www.klimaatstad.gent
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Climate change is happening and already has an effect on cities (heat, floods). Ghent has to adapt and prepare: less concrete, more green. Which tools can help to activate and stimulate behavioural change?
Who are we designing for? All citizens
Case 3: How can we stimulate and enable homeowners from a migration background to take the necessary energy efficiency measures in their homes?
Organisation: City of Ghent
Website: www.energiecentrale.gent
What is the context of your problem or challenge? In 2050 Ghent wants to be a climate-neutral city. In order to achieve this goal, all houses must be renovated towards our energy efficiency goals (natural gas consumption of max 70 kWh per m²) We have been focusing on helping civilians renovate their houses for a long time, with grants, free advice on technical and financial issues and support throughout the renovation process. The Energiecentrale offers this free service for all energy efficiency measures in residential properties in Ghent. Although our approach is very successful, we fail to reach the homeowners with a migration background.
Who are we designing for? Homeowners with a migration background.
Case 4: How can we prepare our houses for a fossil-free future? In particular: how can we convince and enable people to switch to renewable energy for the heating and warm water supply of their houses?
Organisation: City of Ghent
Website: www.klimaatstad.gent
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Fossil fuels are in short supply. In order to reach our climate-neutral goals of 2050, the residential houses in Ghent must switch to renewable energy. The path towards fossil-free living involves several steps. First, the energy consumption of the house must be lowered through insulation. Second, the best renewable energy source for this house must be chosen. This solution may vary from house to house. The third step is where the problem lays: the switch must be made.
Who are we designing for? We want all homeowners to make the switch. We are especially concerned with low-income homeowners. We want renewable energy to be a right for everyone, not a privilege for some.
Case 5: How can a city shape the "food environment" and effectively apply nudges to steer its citizens towards more sustainable and healthy food choices.
Organisation: City of Ghent
Website: www.gentengarde.stad.gent
What is the context of your problem or challenge?Gent en Garde is the sustainable food strategy of the city of Ghent. One of the objectives is to promote sustainable and healthy food consumption. As a city, we have a range of tools we can use (communication, awareness-raising, subsidies, example setting...), but of course, these tools have their limitations. In the past, we have launched some very successful campaigns, like 'Thursday veggie day', which has had a real and measurable impact on meat consumption in Ghent. For the future, we are looking at other effective ways to influence consumers' behaviour (and also of those processing food like cooks, caterers...). Therefore we are interested to see how we can apply the "nudging" theory in practice. We are looking for concrete and relatively easy to implement interventions, that are within our field of competence to experiment with. We are also looking for recommendations on how to maximise impact for example by focussing on a specific area (school environment) of the target group.
Who are we designing for? citizens of Ghent
Case 6: Peerby (the sharing platform for stuff) is now only being used by the average middle-class citizens, what barriers are other groups facing to start using stuff more instead of buying it.
Organisation: Lieven D'Hont, Wijdelen vzw / Peerby.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge? Our society and economy are mainly focused on buying stuff, as easy as possible, bol.com / amazon.... people do not see/feel the problem of materials scarcity. Our houses are full of stuff we barely use, filling our heads with a burden of taking care of all this stuff.
Who are we designing for? Everyone..., at the moment only a limited amount of people use the platform, mostly out of ecological principle.
Case 7: What if the citizens in Ghent were aware of their CO2 impact related to the e-commerce?
#11 - Sustainable cities & communities
#12 - Responsible consumption & production
#13 - Climate action
What is the context of your problem or challenge?People are not aware of the CO2 impact that is related to their e-commerce behaviour. They forget that an online purchase sometimes has a significant CO2 impact, for example, related to the distance that is covered, the packaging that is used, the vehicle(s) that were used, inefficient delivery routes, ... By showing the impact we want to change their behaviour and show the different alternatives. At the moment we are missing data to quantify the impact and there is a lack of communication and choice when it comes to the logistics following the purchase of the products via e-commerce. What has been done already? In the Netherlands, there are some examples that tackle this problem such as Thuiswinkel.org. (https://www.twinkle.be/nieuws/169927/tool-consument-bewustmaken-vervuilende-pakjes/).
Case 8: How can Ghent be free of disposable plastic?
#9 - Industry, innovation & infrastructure
#11 - Sustainable cities & communities
#12 - Responsible consumption & production
#14 - Life below water
What is the context of your problem or challenge?
Single-use plastics, or disposable plastics, are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These items are things like plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles and most food packaging. They are thrown away in the trash can, or end up on the streets, in the water, in the plants where they harm the animals and the environment. Half of the plastics in the world are disposable plastics and only 10-13% of all plastics are recycled. At the moment there is a broad nonchalant attitude when it comes to consuming disposable plastics. There are no coordinated actions among all stakeholders in our city.
What has been done already? There are individual actions such as Mei plasticvrij and the reusable cups for the Gentse Feesten There are also policy plans on deposit charges, take back regulations and banning plastics.
Case 9: What if we had an emission-free vehicle that we could use our whole life?
#11 - Sustainable cities & communities
#12 - Responsible consumption & production
What is the context of your problem or challenge?Finding an alternative for the car is still a puzzle. Is it possible to create an emission-free vehicle that fits all stages in life and that can be adapted to different situations (e.g. with a modular system)?
What has been done already?Not much
Case 10: How can we reduce food waste in households in Ghent?
#2 - Zero hunger
#11 - Sustainable cities & communities
#12 - Responsible consumption & production
What is the context of your problem or challenge? 40% of our food is being wasted at home. We buy too much, don’t eat all of it, forget that we still have it, etc. How can we impact people’s behaviour and reduce the amount of food being wasted?
What has been done already? There are several initiatives taking place already in the city such as het Niets-is-Verloren festival, feeding the 5000 and the introduction of the ‘Restorestje’ that allows you to doggy bag the food that you don’t eat at the restaurant.
Case 11: How can the city of Ghent stimulate entrepreneurs, companies and shop-owners to invest in renewable energy, sustainable mobility and low energy buildings?
#9 - Industry, innovation & infrastructure
#11 - Sustainable cities & communities
#12 - Responsible consumption & production
#13 - Climate action
What is the context of your problem or challenge?The city of Ghent offers subsidies and coaching to make the transition to renewable energy, sustainable mobility and low energy buildings, but the amount of entrepreneurs, companies or shop-owners that make use of it is very limited.
We would like them to use these services much more so the transition goes faster and they have the feeling that the city is there to help them. This is important for the city since Ghent aims to be a climate-neutral city by 2050. We also signed the Covenant of Mayors and engaged ourselves to have 30% less CO2 emissions by 2030 (compared to 2007).
What has been done already?
On the website https://klimaat.stad.gent/nl/themas/ondernemen you can find more information (in Dutch) about the services that are already offered to the entrepreneurs, companies and shop-owners.
Case 12: How can we easily assess whether a residential property can be renovated to meet the energy efficiency goals or not?
#7 - Affordable and clean energy
#11 - Sustainable cities & communities
#12 - Responsible consumption & production
#13 - Climate action
What is the context of your problem or challenge?There is a huge amount of older energy inefficient houses in the City of Ghent. Sometimes it is advisable to demolish such a house and rebuild a new energy-efficient house on the property. To meet the energy efficiency goals the property must have a natural gas consumption of max 70 kWh per m2).
This is a delicate matter and therefore we want to be able to objectively assess every house and give strong and correct advice based on a toolkit or set of parameters. This should be an easy to use tool that can be incorporated in the existing service the city of Ghent already offers to all house owners from residential buildings.
What has been done already? For a long time, we have been focusing on helping citizens to renovate their houses with grants, free advice on technical and financial issues and support throughout the renovation process. We offer this free service for all energy efficiency measures in residential properties in Ghent (www.energiecentrale.gent).
Case 13: How can repair skills learned by NEETs be an added value for urban development?
Organisation: Artevelde univercity of applied sciences
Contact: Marie.Gildemyn@arteveldehs.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge?
Target audience: migrants and the high rate of (at risk) NEETs within the NWE region, while also tapping into the job opportunities that the circular economy (CE) transition offers. Through the establishment of 11 locally anchored Hubs in BE, NL, DE, FR and IE, migrants and (at risk) NEETS can gain awareness about CE jobs and develop the necessary circular and/or entrepreneurial skills to enhance their (self)employability within the CE labour market. At the same time, the HUBs offer opportunities for networking, practical language skills, and peer learning which strengthens social integration. Each of the HUBs brings together migrants and (at risk) NEETs, businesses who are active in the CE, looking for and willing to train CE skilled people; (vocational) education and training centers; and organisations that facilitate employment for migrants and (at risk) NEETs.
Within the Hubs, migrants and NEETs will be able to follow modular learning journeys around CE and/or entrepreneurial skills based on their own interest and previous experience. Businesses, who are involved in the CE HUBs will collaborate with VETs and other organisations to offer practical experiences in CE jobs and (up)skilling, i.e. around repair and waste, to the target group in an accessible way contributing to a perception shift on both sides.
Case 14: How can municipalities/cities use NEETs in neighborhood activities?
Organisation: Artevelde univercity of applied sciences
Contact: Marie.Gildemyn@arteveldehs.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge?
Target audience: migrants and the high rate of (at risk) NEETs within the NWE region, while also tapping into the job opportunities that the circular economy (CE) transition offers. Through the establishment of 11 locally anchored Hubs in BE, NL, DE, FR and IE, migrants and (at risk) NEETS can gain awareness about CE jobs and develop the necessary circular and/or entrepreneurial skills to enhance their (self)employability within the CE labour market. At the same time, the HUBs offer opportunities for networking, practical language skills, and peer learning which strengthens social integration. Each of the HUBs brings together migrants and (at risk) NEETs, businesses who are active in the CE, looking for and willing to train CE skilled people; (vocational) education and training centers; and organisations that facilitate employment for migrants and (at risk) NEETs.
Within the Hubs, migrants and NEETs will be able to follow modular learning journeys around CE and/or entrepreneurial skills based on their own interest and previous experience. Businesses, who are involved in the CE HUBs will collaborate with VETs and other organisations to offer practical experiences in CE jobs and (up)skilling, i.e. around repair and waste, to the target group in an accessible way contributing to a perception shift on both sides.
Case 15: How can we support NEETs for a job within the circular economy?
Organisation: Artevelde univercity of applied sciences
Contact: Marie.Gildemyn@arteveldehs.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge?
Target audience: migrants and the high rate of (at risk) NEETs within the NWE region, while also tapping into the job opportunities that the circular economy (CE) transition offers. Through the establishment of 11 locally anchored Hubs in BE, NL, DE, FR and IE, migrants and (at risk) NEETS can gain awareness about CE jobs and develop the necessary circular and/or entrepreneurial skills to enhance their (self)employability within the CE labour market. At the same time, the HUBs offer opportunities for networking, practical language skills, and peer learning which strengthens social integration. Each of the HUBs brings together migrants and (at risk) NEETs, businesses who are active in the CE, looking for and willing to train CE skilled people; (vocational) education and training centers; and organisations that facilitate employment for migrants and (at risk) NEETs.
Within the Hubs, migrants and NEETs will be able to follow modular learning journeys around CE and/or entrepreneurial skills based on their own interest and previous experience. Businesses, who are involved in the CE HUBs will collaborate with VETs and other organisations to offer practical experiences in CE jobs and (up)skilling, i.e. around repair and waste, to the target group in an accessible way contributing to a perception shift on both sides.
Case 16: How can enterprises grow from using the repair skills of NEETs?
Organisation: Artevelde univercity of applied sciences
Contact: Marie.Gildemyn@arteveldehs.be
What is the context of your problem or challenge?
Target audience: migrants and the high rate of (at risk) NEETs within the NWE region, while also tapping into the job opportunities that the circular economy (CE) transition offers. Through the establishment of 11 locally anchored Hubs in BE, NL, DE, FR and IE, migrants and (at risk) NEETS can gain awareness about CE jobs and develop the necessary circular and/or entrepreneurial skills to enhance their (self)employability within the CE labour market. At the same time, the HUBs offer opportunities for networking, practical language skills, and peer learning which strengthens social integration. Each of the HUBs brings together migrants and (at risk) NEETs, businesses who are active in the CE, looking for and willing to train CE skilled people; (vocational) education and training centers; and organisations that facilitate employment for migrants and (at risk) NEETs.
Within the Hubs, migrants and NEETs will be able to follow modular learning journeys around CE and/or entrepreneurial skills based on their own interest and previous experience. Businesses, who are involved in the CE HUBs will collaborate with VETs and other organisations to offer practical experiences in CE jobs and (up)skilling, i.e. around repair and waste, to the target group in an accessible way contributing to a perception shift on both sides.
Case 17 : How can different ecosystem benefit from NEETs regarding circular economy?
Context:
Target audience: migrants and the high rate of (at risk) NEETs within the NWE region, while also tapping into the job opportunities that the circular economy (CE) transition offers. Through the establishment of 11 locally anchored Hubs in BE, NL, DE, FR and IE, migrants and (at risk) NEETS can gain awareness about CE jobs and develop the necessary circular and/or entrepreneurial skills to enhance their (self)employability within the CE labour market. At the same time, the HUBs offer opportunities for networking, practical language skills, and peer learning which strengthens social integration. Each of the HUBs brings together migrants and (at risk) NEETs, businesses who are active in the CE, looking for and willing to train CE skilled people; (vocational) education and training centers; and organisations that facilitate employment for migrants and (at risk) NEETs.
Within the Hubs, migrants and NEETs will be able to follow modular learning journeys around CE and/or entrepreneurial skills based on their own interest and previous experience. Businesses, who are involved in the CE HUBs will collaborate with VETs and other organisations to offer practical experiences in CE jobs and (up)skilling, i.e. around repair and waste, to the target group in an accessible way contributing to a perception shift on both sides.
Case 18: How can higher education institutions evolve into climate-neutral institutions and play a pioneering role in this?
Organisation: Artevelde univercity of applied sciences
Contact: Elena Lievens
Case 19: How can higher education institutions play a more pioneering role in achieving the global 2030 agenda (sustainable development goals)?
Organisation: Artevelde univercity of applied sciences
Contact: Elena Lievens
Case 20: How can higher education institutions minimize their ICT impact and still use it maximally in a paperless office?
Organisation: Artevelde univercity of applied sciences
Contact: Elena Lievens
Case 21: How can higher education institutions continue to pursue their goals of internationalization with a minimal impact (eg international transport)?
Organisation: Artevelde univercity of applied sciences
Contact: Elena Lievens
Awards
3ID LABS was entitled 'Inspiring Initiative 2019' in Gentrepreneur Awards. GENE – Global Education Network Europe – recognises the importance of innovation in Global Education through its Global Education Ideas Award. The Award is focused on new ideas for Global Education initiatives that facilitate transformative learning and opens peoples’ eyes and minds to the realities of the world, locally and globally. It promotes Global Education that brings about this change through creativity, participation, direct action, synergies and innovation, and to inspire public policy. 3ID LABS, together with Climate factory (Climate living labs) won the award in 2019.
Press
- Vlaamse hogescholenraad: Blikopener, spraakmakers
- HLN 16 dec, 2019 "Arteveldehogeschool lanceert richting om klimaatproblemen op te lossen"
- Made in Oost-Vlaanderen 11 sept, 2018 "Arteveldehogeschool lanceert onderwijsprimeur voor Vlaanderen"
- AVS 5 juni, 2019 "Studenten ontwikkelen label voor seizoensgroenten"
- Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, annual report, 2019 "The journey is the destination"
- VRT 11 Sept, 2019 "Geen aula's, taken of vakken: Arteveldehogeschool pakt uit met primeur voor Vlaanderen"
- AVS 11 Sept, 2018 "Studenten pakken sociale problemen aan", video
- HLN 10 Sept, 2018 "Primeur voor Vlaanderen: hogeschool lanceert richting zonder vakken of taken"
Are you facing a social challenge in your organisation in the domains of sustainability, social inclusion and poverty? Maybe you don’t have the resources or time to come up with a solution? Or maybe you would just like a new point of view? Why not consider our 3ID LABS students?
PRESENT YOUR CHALLENGE
You can submit your social challenge to us. Our students will conduct research, work together in their multidisciplinary and international team, consults experts… Their end goal: come up with a solution for your organisation’s challenge, which makes a true impact on society.
Here are some examples of projects:
- How can we tackle minority feelings from workers with a physical disability?
- How can we enhance the bathing experience for people with dementia?
- How can we improve the wellbeing of new employees during the onboarding process?
- How can we get teachers from primary schools more involved in the learning experience of the students with learning problems?
- How can we let employers lose less time in communication, so we can spend more time with our patients?
For more challenges, see our social and climate lab challenges.
Ready to trigger our students?
Any questions about this programme?
Do you have questions about any of the following topics?
- Courses
- Enrolment
Isabelle Vandevyvere and Lieven Desomviele
LAB Masters
+32 (0)9 234 72 67 and +32 (0)9 234 71 95
Send mail
What alumni say about 3ID LABS
3ID LABS gave me the final boost to look forward, to stimulate my knowledge, to find my own blind spots. It gave me a new perspective of doing business such as communication.
3ID LABS has given me a greater opportunity for personal and professional growth. I've had the chance to work in a super-diverse team with multiple insights, perspectives and personalities. We have been bonding over similarities and differences. That has given me the chance to think out of the box and has offered me new perspectives in the context of teamwork and to see the world differently.
I am glad that I was able to go through a valuable experience as a foreign student and I tried new approaches to self-directed learning and working in a team of people from different cultures and backgrounds. 3ID LABS taught me to be more confident on the stage and stand up for my own opinions and ideas.
In 3ID LABS I learned more about giving in a structured way. That is something I'll need in my future profession as a teacher and with that I'm reaching a higher level of excellence.
Beside the knowledge, 3ID LABS is one of those life experiences that unleashes a younger butterfly out of its chrysalis! Crashes one's ego by building more self-confidence, humbles personality by accepting others' differences.
3ID LABS gave me an opportunity to deepen my knowledge on design thinking process. I learned new ways, which helped me to create new ideas. With prototyping these ideas, I could see my vision come to life.
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