Designing for Systemic Change: Transforming Public Sector Innovation - Softcover

Schaminee, André

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9063699964 ISBN 13: 9789063699963

Publisher: BIS, 2026

Synopsis

Radical, systemic change is often needed to create a sustainable and just society. The process of change often meets resistance and inertia, and systems tend to fall back into old patterns all too quickly. This book is written for designers and public sector innovators who face these challenges every day.

The good news: systemic change is possible. Through numerous case studies, the author shows how design approaches can help drive transitions in public governance. Drawing on deep experience, he reveals what it takes to navigate public institutions as an innovator and to move beyond abstract visions into practical, grounded change. Blending personal stories, societal insights and models from transition science, public administration, and design, the book offers practical guidance for navigating complexity and helping organizations develop the ability to learn, develop and sustain meaningful change.

About this title

About the Author

André Schaminée is a pioneer in the field of design. Working from Twynstra Gudde, one of the Netherlands' leading consultancy firms, he has built a business in successfully bringing design strategies to public organisations. Schaminée was trained as an urban designer, founded two record companies and he is a guest lecturer at various art and design schools and universities. He also works as a trainer in the field of management

From the Back Cover

Transitions are urgently needed to create a sustainable and just society. But anyone working on system change knows how difficult change can be. Progress is slow, resistance is strong, and systems often fall back into old patterns.

The good news: meaningful change is possible. This book shows how designers and public‑sector innovators achieve results that truly matter.

Drawing on extensive experience, André Schaminée demonstrates how a design‑led approach can help navigate complexity, embrace the human factor, and enable organizations to build the capacity needed to realize deep change. It is widely acknowledged that organizations must change as well―in this book, Schaminée shows how to tackle that challenge.

Written in an accessible style, the book weaves together personal stories with case studies and insights from transition studies, public administration, and design. It offers both inspiration and practical tools for everyone working toward a more sustainable and just future.

Edition details

• Publisher: BIS
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9063699964
• ISBN 13: 9789063699963
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176