Tim Strasser (T.)

Tim's PhD research focuses on 1. how learning processes can develop transformative capacity of social innovation, and 2. the role of network leadership in supporting those learning processes.

1. How learning develops transformative capacity: This is about how learning by doing, exchanging and reflecting can lead to the ability of social innovators (involved in ecovillages, transition towns, time-banks, social entrepreneurship, etc) to bring forth changes in dominant institutions that are widely-influential, deeply embedded and persistently reproduced.

2. How network leadership can support those learning processes: this is about the efforts of people across network scales (local, national, transnational) to organize virtual platforms, network gatherings, and design educational programs, knowledge resources, etc. which help people to learn how to bring about transformative changes.

Tim's research builds on Transformative Social Innovation theory produced by the TRANSIT project (2014-2017), with the aim of further developing and testing the theory in a way that makes it more practically relevant to social innovators. Specifically, he aims to generate a theory of change and an evaluation tool that focus on learning processes and the practice of network leadership.

Next to his half-time research work, Tim is also involved as facilitator and movement-builder in the social enterprise rootAbility, supporting the Green Office movement: students and staff around Europe aiming to institutionalise sustainability in higher education instutions. His TRANSIT and PhD research and his practical engagement in social innovation through rootAbility go hand in hand, which allows him to integrate theory and practice in a truly transdisciplinary manner.