MICA Lab for Transition Communication
Why this lab?
We are facing major societal transitions: the shift to a circular economy, sustainable energy, new forms of healthcare, and far-reaching digitization. Yet communication often remains underexposed in this context. While it is precisely behavioral change, awareness, and support that determine whether policy really works. The MICA Lab for Transition Communication investigates how communication motivates people to take action—and translates insights directly into concrete interventions in practice.
Nevertheless, communication is often an overlooked factor in existing transition initiatives. The MICA Lab for Transition Communication aims to change this by researching, testing, and teaching how communication can contribute to behavioral change, awareness, and engagement.
Learning in practice
In the lab, vocational, higher vocational, and master's students work together on current issues faced by companies, governments, and social organizations. Theory is directly applied in campaigns, media concepts, and communication interventions. Students learn to work methodically, measure impact, and reflect critically. In this way, they experience how their talent contributes to social change—and build a portfolio that matters.
Research that connects
Within this lab , lecturer Bianca Harms and the Transformational Media research group are investigating the role of communication and media in transitions. Themes such as awareness, support, and behavioral change are central to this research. Insights from Frisian living labs and regional hubs are collected and shared via an accessible knowledge platform. This prevents fragmentation and makes knowledge usable for education, policy, and practice.
Building broad prosperity together
The MICA Lab for Transition Communication is a collaboration between the Municipality of Leeuwarden, Firda, NHL Stenden, and MICA. By structurally linking education, research, and practice, we strengthen the regional ecosystem. Partners gain fresh ideas and applicable solutions; students develop future-oriented skills. Together, we are building broad prosperity in Friesland—with communication as a strategic force.
