Exploring Language's Role in Innovation at HZ University Symposium
Vlissingen, Friday, 25 July 2025.
On October 7, HZ University hosts a symposium on how language influences innovation and quality, emphasizing collaboration across sectors. Experts will discuss communication’s impact on innovation strategies.
Understanding the Symposium’s Impact in Rotterdam
The ‘Language in Innovation and Quality’ symposium is a significant event set to occur on October 7, 2025, in Rotterdam, a city known for its innovative approaches and rich cultural backdrop. This symposium is part of the SPRONG project ‘Living Ecosystem,’ an initiative focusing on bridging gaps between various stakeholders through effective communication and collaborative strategies [1][2]. The event is organized by MNEXT, a collaboration involving HZ University of Applied Sciences, Avans, and Hogeschool Rotterdam [2].
The Role of Language in Enhancing Innovation
This upcoming event will explore the transformational role of language beyond mere communication. Language serves as a critical tool that can either bolster or impede cooperation, impact, and quality in innovative processes and applied research [1]. Jens van der Weele from Transitietaal will present a keynote entitled ‘From Biobased to Meaningful,’ which will address the transition from technical language to more impactful, contextual applications [2]. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with two practical tools during the symposium, which employ language and structure to elevate the quality of practice-based research and support collaboration in innovation transitions [1][2].
Broader Context: Language in Innovation
The symposium in Rotterdam is timely, considering the recent emphasis on language and collaboration in the innovation sector across Europe. Initiatives such as the European Innovation Council’s events and reports emphasize the necessity of effective communication in the advancement and sustainability of innovation projects [4]. The importance of a common language for facilitating transitions and transformations was also a focal point at a recent symposium held on July 9, 2025, at the Nationaal Archief in the Netherlands [5]. These discussions highlight the crucial role language plays not only in simplifying complex processes but also in fostering effective policy implementation across various domains.
Concluding Insights and Future Prospects
The ‘Language in Innovation and Quality’ symposium presents a unique platform for professionals across sectors to collaborate and leverage language as a tool for enhancing innovation outcomes. By engaging experts and participants in discussions about the nuanced roles of language, the event aims to pave the way for more structured and effective innovation strategies [1][2]. As industries continue to evolve and integrate new technologies, the pivotal role of language in shaping these transitions underscores the ongoing need for platforms that foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and dialogue.