Role development within learning communities
In preparation for the research call for learning communities, a national research group consisting of researchers from all participating universities of applied sciences within GroenvermogenNL’s Human Capital Agenda (HCA) programme conducted a joint study on role development within learning communities between 2025 and early 2026. Regional research teams selected relevant real-world cases and collected data using a jointly developed set of research tools. In addition to generating new insights into role development, this bridging phase resulted in two research instruments that can be used to map role development within learning communities.
Insights into role development
The study explored the following hypothesis: “Interventions aimed at broadening the roles of participants in a learning community encourage a shift from learning from each other to learning with each other. This positively contributes to strengthening the integration of working, innovating and learning.” The findings show that opportunities for experimentation, collaboration and reflection enable participants to grow into new professional roles. Teachers evolve from delivering education to becoming designers and facilitators, while students take on greater responsibility as project leaders, connectors or designers. Learning communities are particularly effective in developing broader professional skills, such as collaboration, communication, planning and self-management. Diversity among participants encourages innovation and more comprehensive approaches to problem-solving, but also requires effective communication and the ability to navigate differences. Facilitators play a crucial role in this process. Their contribution goes beyond subject matter expertise to supporting collaboration, communication and role development.
Factors that strengthen role development
Research across regional learning communities shows that role development does not happen automatically. Several recurring success factors create the conditions in which participants can explore, develop and establish new roles.
- Practice-based and experimental learningBy working together on real-world challenges, participants gradually develop new roles. Opportunities for experimentation, ownership, feedback and reflection build confidence and support professional growth.
- Reciprocal and interdisciplinary collaborationParticipants learn with one another, draw on each other’s expertise and distribute roles according to individual strengths. Diversity in disciplines, educational levels and backgrounds leads to complementary roles and richer collaboration.
- A safe and supportive learning environmentA strong sense of community, collaboration in small groups and psychological safety encourage participants to take responsibility, explore new roles and learn from mistakes.
- Effective guidance, feedback and continuityRegular reflection, clear process facilitation and a stable group composition make role development more visible and give participants the time and support needed to develop new professional roles sustainably.
What this means for GroenvermogenNL
For GroenvermogenNL, learning communities are an essential building block of a future-proof human capital ecosystem for the hydrogen transition. They connect education, research and industry, accelerate knowledge development and strengthen regional collaboration. The research demonstrates that learning communities can only create lasting impact when they are structurally embedded in the way people learn, work and innovate. The key lessons are:
- Human capital develops through practiceEstablish long-term collaboration between education, research and industry around current real-world challenges.
- Integrate working, learning and innovatingSuccessful learning communities bring these three processes together simultaneously and through continuous cycles of development and improvement.
- Encourage collaborative knowledge creationExperimentation, learning together and navigating uncertainty are essential for developing new knowledge to support the hydrogen transition.
- Invest in broader transition skillsAlongside technical expertise, systems thinking, collaboration, adaptability and the ability to navigate change are indispensable.
- Strengthen the role of teacher-researchers and networksThey serve as a vital link between education, research and industry, enabling lasting knowledge sharing.
- Ensure strong regional connectionsLearning communities have the greatest impact when they respond to regional needs and are structurally embedded in education, the labour market and regional partnerships.
Tools and knowledge resources
Learning Community Canvas
This research tool provides insights into how participants value the key design features that make learning communities effective. It also helps identify opportunities to broaden participants’ roles and strengthen the integration of working, innovating and learning.
Download the Learning Community Canvas (PDF)
Role Development Interview Guide
This tool is designed to explore participants’ perspectives on role development within learning communities, as well as their intended personal and professional growth.
Download the Role Development Interview Guide (PDF)
Expeditie Waterstof
Curious to see what learning communities look like in practice? Expeditie Waterstof showcases inspiring examples from six regions, where education, research and industry work together to address real-world challenges in the hydrogen transition.
Hydrogen Value Chain Game
The Hydrogen Value Chain Game brings the hydrogen value chain to life. Through this interactive game, participants explore how hydrogen is produced, stored, transported and used, as well as the challenges involved. The game provides insights into how the different parts of the value chain are connected and highlights the importance of collaboration in making the energy transition a success.
Podcast: Vaste Grond – Learning Communities and Societal Challenges
How can we bring learning, working and innovating together in a time of major societal transitions? In this episode of the Vaste Grond podcast, researchers and experts explore the role of learning communities in the hydrogen transition. They discuss how collaboration between education, research and industry drives innovation, how professional roles need to evolve and what lessons can be learned for the future.