Regional networks are playing an increasingly important role in the governance of our education system. Whether it concerns tackling the teacher shortage, implementing inclusive education, or creating a better alignment with the labor market: school boards are actively seeking collaboration. But how effective are these networks truly, and how do they relate to existing structures?
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Symposium on Regional Governance Networks in Education
Symposium on Regional Governance Networks in Education
During this gathering Sietske Waslander (TIAS), Edith Hooge (UvA), Henno Theisens (HHS-TIAS) and Tim de Leeuw (TIAS) will present their essay on the extensive empirical study conducted over the past five years into regional governance networks in education. They will officially present the essay to Inge Vossenaar and Henrike Karreman, respectively Director-General for Primary and Secondary Education and Director for Secondary Vocational Education at the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW).
Following this presentation, they will engage in a panel discussion with Inge Vossenaar, Henrike Karreman, Freddy Weima (Chair of the PO-Raad and TIAS alumnus), Henk Hagoort (Chair of the VO-raad), and Adnan Tekin (Chair of the MBO Raad). The discussion will explore what makes regional governance networks effective and what is required to achieve genuine impact in educational practice.
In het kort
Date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Time: 16.30 - 18.00
Laguage: Dutch
Location: Nieuwpoort, Bezuidenhoutseweg 67, Den Haag
The program will be followed by an opportunity for further discussion and networking!
Program
16:30 hour
Walk in with coffee and tea
16.45 hour
Program
18.00 hour
Closing remarks followed by an opportunity for further discussion and networking with a light bite and a drink
The program consists of 4 parts:
Essay Presentation: Collaborating for the Greater Good. Making an Impact with Regional Governance Networks in Education
Official Presentation of the Essay to Inge Vossenaar (Director-General for Primary and Secondary Education) and Henrike Karreman (Director for Secondary Vocational Education) at the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW)
Panel Discussion with Inge Vossenaar, Henrike Karreman, Freddy Weima (Chair of the PO-Raad), Henk Hagoort (Chair of the VO-raad), and Adnan Tekin (Chair of the MBO Raad)
Q&A and Discussion with the audience
About the symposium
School boards are increasingly collaborating within regional networks to address key educational challenges. Examples include training and professionalizing future teachers, improving support for young people transitioning from school to work or further education, implementing inclusive education, and strengthening the educational labor market.
Much is expected from these regional governance networks. During this symposium, we will present the key insights from the empirical study we have conducted over the past five years. The accompanying essay summarizes the conclusions and translates them into practical insights for school boards, network coordinators, and policymakers.
Together, we will engage in a discussion addressing questions such as: what makes regional governance networks effective? How important are a shared vision, knowledge exchange, and information sharing? And how do we manage the patchwork of regional networks emerging over time, including the boundaries and overlap between different networks?