Barn Talks: Fostering Innovation and Better Regional Policies

By project UNLOCK

Published on 03 April 2025

Netherlands

Groningen

About this good practice

Barn Talk is a free monthly discussion evening at the Energy Barn in Groningen, organized by ENTRANCE, Hanze University of Applied Sciences. It focuses on energy transition challenges and innovations, aiming to share knowledge, build networks, and foster discussions in Northern Netherlands. Held on the first Wednesday of each month, these sessions feature expert guest speakers and interactive discussions, encouraging audience participation. Attendees can network and discuss topics further after the main event.
Barn Talk impacts local policies by:
(1) Raising Awareness: Increasing awareness of sustainable energy solutions.
(2) Informing Policy Decisions: Providing valuable insights for policymakers.
(3) Encouraging Collaboration: Fostering collaborations among stakeholders.
(4) Highlighting Barriers and Solutions: Identifying and addressing challenges.
(5) Promoting Innovation: Encouraging support for new energy initiatives.

Resources needed

The organisation of Barn Talk requires::
Financial resources:
- Venue Costs (about 5,400 EUR per event)
- Speaker Fees
- Marketing and Promotion
- Refreshments
- Operational Costs
Human Resources:
- Event Coordinators
- Technical Support
- Marketing Team
- Volunteers for additional support

Evidence of success

Barn Talk is successful due to measurable outputs and positive impacts:
> Increased Attendance: Diverse audience, including professionals, students, and community members.
> Expert Participation: High-profile guest speakers enhance discussions.
> Community Impact: Raised awareness and understanding of energy transition issues.
> Policy Influence: Contributed to shaping local energy policies.
> Networking Opportunities: New collaborations and partnerships within the energy sector.

Potential for learning or transfer

Barn Talk is interesting for other regions due to:
1. Community Engagement: Fosters local involvement and ownership in energy transition.
2. Expert Participation: Ensures high-quality, credible discussions, replicable in other regions.
3. Interactive Format: Combines presentations, Q&A, and networking.
4. Relevant Topics: Addresses region-specific energy transition challenges.
5. Supportive Partnerships: Collaboration with academic and energy organizations.
Challenges:
1. Resource Availability: Adequate funding and human resources are essential.
2. Local Context: Success is partly due to alignment with Northern Netherlands' needs. Other regions may need to adapt topics and format.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Securing local experts and stakeholders' participation is crucial.
Potential for Transfer:
• Adaptability: Flexible format allows adaptation to different regional contexts and challenges.
• Scalability: Model can be scaled based on resources and audience size.