The situation: Committed employees of TH Köln are on the verge of founding an interdisciplinary research cluster “Circular Value Creation”. At a first symposium in autumn 2010, 50 specialist professors from 10 faculties were already involved, activities were bundled, and a temporary working structure was found. The founding process is planned to take place during the following year. The aim is to involve further stakeholders, develop the structure of the research cluster, support the steering committee and working groups in achieving their goals, and bring together the various elements.

Our contribution: As process facilitator and moderator, Maren supported the founding process as well as the first year of CTLC (Circular Transformation Lab Cologne). She facilitated work meetings, supported project management, designed and moderated cross-AG workshops in which concepts were developed together, and supported decision-making processes.

Why we enjoyed working with the CTLC: Many major challenges that we as a society face can only be met if we look and act beyond disciplinary boundaries. Therefore, it was very worthwhile for us to accompany an interdisciplinary structure in which people from different working contexts come together to act. In addition, the value orientation of the people involved was noticeable in many small interactions. This made the collaboration not only interesting and fruitful, but also pleasant and inspiring.