Mission

Technological innovations, geopolitical shifts and socio-cultural changes make for a fluid and complex world. Established models, theories and paradigms offer less and less guidance.

Rather than providing quick answers, FreedomLab offers a space for free thought where public and private decision makers can playfully navigate uncertainty through our team’s transdisciplinary research, speculative methods and imaginative future scenarios. Together, we identify and develop transformative opportunities for business and society.

Origination

Founded in 2003 by investment company Dasym as a research department, FreedomLab devoted itself to carrying out macro-research with respect to the most important long-term trends and developments. The subdivision eventually developed into a self-governing thinktank, following the growing demand by both private and public organizations for their thematic research. Engaged in delineating opportunities and risks since the very beginning, the researchers took on scenario thinking as a principal method along the way and integrated it into FreedomLab's character and brand.

Ecosystem

FreedomLab is part of Rasile Group, an ecosystem of changemakers consisting of investment company Dasym, real estate company Dalpha and arch tech company Dalpha Bright.

Clients

Roularta Media, Association of Provinces of the Netherlands (Interprovinciaal Overleg), Municipality of Rotterdam, Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS), Ministry of Defence (Netherlands), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Netherlands), Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (Netherlands), TechLeap, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (Netherlands), Rabobank, Albert Heijn, Essent, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Filosofische School Nederland, Stichting Volksgezondheidszorg (VGZ), Mediahuis Nederland, Talpa Network, Menzis, the Scientific Council for Government Policy (Wetenschappelijke Raad voor het Regeringsbeleid), Funda, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), the Dutch Heart Foundation (Nederlandse Hartstichting)

Partners

Dutch Blockchain Coalition, Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael, The Netherlands Study Centre for Technology Trends (Stichting Toekomstbeeld der Techniek), NRC Handelsblad, NEMO Science Museum, Artis Royal Zoo, Entelligence, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University, Eindhoven University of Technology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Bocconi University, Data Sovereignty Now, Brainwash, the John Adams Institute, Innopay

Tenet #1

We reframe the present by analyzing the past and speculating about possible futures

Tenet #2

We explore the upside in dystopias and the downside in utopias

Tenet #3

We look for beauty in science and truth in the arts

Tenet #4

We are highbrow about lowbrow culture

Tenet #5

We are serious about being playful

Tenet #6

We strive towards objectivity by acknowledging our subjectivity

Tenet #7

We hope to move forward by acknowledging traditions

Tenet #8

We seek the grand narrative through countless constructed narratives

Tenet #9

We are disciplined in moving between and beyond disciplines

Tenet #10

We find certainty in embracing uncertainty