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For the past few weeks, I have been working as an intern at Dialogic. Before starting my current master's programme, I completed a bachelor's degree in Science and Innovation Management with a focus on energy and materials at Utrecht University. The emphasis on energy attracted me so much that I chose to pursue my current master's at Eindhoven University of Technology in Innovation Sciences, with a specialisation in innovation and sustainability. As part of this programme, I also spent a semester studying in South Africa last year. I learned a lot from the different culture there, both in daily life and in education. I also thoroughly enjoyed everything the beautiful surroundings had to offer.
In addition to my strong belief in the need for more sustainable management of the resources we use today, I have developed a keen interest in sustainability due to the numerous new technological possibilities for energy generation. While there has always been a wide range of options for energy production, the abundance of choices we have now is largely due to sustainable goals and rising energy costs, leading to the emergence of new sustainable energy technologies.
My interest in this field was sparked during my master's studies, where I encountered various theories on transition processes and system innovations, which strategically address new niches from a socio-technical perspective. Much research focuses on new technologies in new buildings, but I see more societal relevance in integrating sustainable energy options into existing housing stock. This is mainly because the rate of new construction per year is relatively low, resulting in slow progress. Moreover, there is often a heavy emphasis on the technical aspects of new energy technologies and insufficient attention on the organisational and user aspects.
My research at Dialogic primarily revolves around developing a strategy for a more sustainable future for existing neighbourhoods. I will be using a case study, specifically focusing on the Vondelparc neighbourhood. Through this internship, I hope to gain a deeper understanding at Dialogic of the practical applications of sustainability and the societal and organisational aspects of innovations.