The UniCities System Innovation Online Course, held on June 20-21, 2024, brought together 40 participants from diverse backgrounds to explore the transformative potential of systems innovation in addressing complex urban challenges. This two-day intensive course, guided by experts in the field, provided attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to drive systemic change, particularly focusing on sustainability transitions and the reconstruction of Ukrainian cities.

The first day started with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of socio-technical systems and sustainability transitions. Participants were welcomed by course leaders Olga Kordas, Jaime Moreno Serna, and Stan Kukhtyk, who set the stage for a day of insightful discussions and collaborative learning. This session provided an overview of socio-technical systems, emphasizing the complexity of urban transitions and the need for a transformative approach to innovation. The Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) on sustainability transitions was introduced as a key framework for understanding and driving change. Participants delved into the characteristics of systemic approaches to innovation, exploring transformative portfolios and multiple levers of change. Real-world examples, such as the initiatives from Viable Cities, illustrated the practical application of these concepts.

Using the Miro platform, participants engaged in group activities to apply the concepts learned in the morning session. They worked on identifying necessary changes and interventions for transitioning urban systems to sustainability, focusing on areas such as energy, mobility, and the built environment. Each group presented their findings, fostering a collaborative environment where participants could learn from each other’s insights and approaches.

The second day was dedicated to exploring practical strategies for driving systemic change, both at organizational and individual levels. This session addressed the barriers to systemic change within universities, offering organizational recommendations and highlighting successful examples from the Spanish health sector. Teresa Sánchez emphasized the importance of creating flexible structures that facilitate innovation and horizontal collaboration. Jaime Moreno Serna discussed frameworks for managing diversity and fostering collaborative leadership. He shared practical experiences and strategies for nurturing complex contexts, encouraging participants to reflect on how these approaches could be implemented in their own institutions.

The UniCities System Innovation Online Course successfully empowered participants with the knowledge and tools needed to become change agents in their respective fields. By blending theoretical insights with practical applications, the course fostered a deep understanding of systems innovation and its potential to drive sustainable urban transitions. As participants return to their contexts, they are equipped to implement the strategies and frameworks learned, contributing to the broader goal of creating resilient and sustainable urban futures.