This platform provides you all the knowledge, network and tools to start innovating with your stakeholders. While this playbook provides the blueprint, the Flow Forward Platform is your active workspace. The platform serves as the central hub for everything you need to put the Flow Forward methodology into practice. Here you will find the complete building blocks, in-depth explanations, background information on the Connected River project, and practical case studies and experiments.

Due to increasing crowds, new challenges arise around water in urban areas all over Europe. Many (port)cities are faced with the task of finding innovative ways to ensure effective, safe and harmonious use of waterways / areas.

This also puts the current development and management approach under pressure. Long-term plans do not align with these rapid and unforeseen changes. Area users are becoming more assertive and are eager to contribute to supported solutions that address both the challenges in the area and the user's needs.

There is a need for new, participatory innovation approaches that can adapt flexibly to problems and opportunities. Innovation approaches where more value is created in less time and with a smaller budget: for the organization, its partners, and the users of rivers and waterways. Emerging digital solutions can play a crucial role in this regard. Adapting to these changes requires a transformation of organizations, in its role, assets, and people, as well as in collaboration with other organizations and users.

If we keep working the same way, we will keep getting the same results. Flow Forward provides a future-fit response because it is fundamentally different. It is defined by a unique mindset that bridges the gap between high-level strategy and hands-on execution. To genuinely solve complex challenges in our shared spaces, we must change how we think and act. The Flow Forward approach is built on eight practical shifts in mindset, more about this can be found in the Flow Forward playbook.

1. GO OUTSIDE

2. MEASURE, DO NOT GUESS

3. ASSESS BEFORE ACTING

4. CO-CREATE WITH THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS

5. TEST SMALL AND LEARN FAST

6. EMBRACE UNEXPECTED SOLUTIONS

7. SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY

8. LEAVE A LASTING ECOSYSTEM