Can NEB Values Drive Structural Change? Reflections from Prague
On October 1, 2022, Stavanger, Utrecht, and Prague embarked on a bold journey with NEB-STAR. Together with a vibrant coalition spanning real estate, social and youth entrepreneurship, arts, culture, academia, and more, we’ve been exploring whether the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) can truly shift mindsets and spark long-term, structural change.
Last week, we gathered in Prague to reflect on two years of experiments. The results? A mix of valuable lessons, inspiring moments, and renewed energy for what lies ahead. Here are some of the standout insights from our partners and stakeholders
Follow the Money
The funding is there—it’s just not always in the right places. Explaining NEB’s value to boards is one thing; convincing banks and investors is another. To bridge this gap, our next challenge is crafting a NEB-STAR pitch that translates our values into a language that resonates with financiers and policymakers.
Steinar from Nordic Edge tackled the ever-relevant question of how to finance and partner effectively in NEB-STAR. The session began with an overview of financing complexities and evolved into a dynamic group activity. By the end, participants had developed a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities—and had identified clear goals, key results, and measurable impacts for the project’s final year.
Seeing the Whole Picture
NEB-STAR is a collaboration none of us could have achieved alone. By stepping out of our comfort zones and leveraging each other’s strengths, we’re creating something truly unique. With 9.5 months left, the momentum is undeniable. We’re not just on track to finish strong—we’re rewriting the playbook on what’s possible.
Make It Happen Now
We’ve learned there’s no such thing as “the perfect moment.” Sure, it helps to have the right people at the table, but waiting for the stars to align is a luxury we can’t afford. NEB-STAR is about acting now, even if it means figuring things out along the way.
Faster, Better, Together
Slow-moving institutions can be a challenge. But we’ve seen how the right framework conditions—like flexible partnerships and open collaboration—can speed things up. Together, we’re rethinking how to get things done: faster, better, and differently.
From Fighting Against to Fighting For
Our partners are helping local communities envision a future that’s more beautiful, inclusive, sustainable, and climate-neutral—all while building on their unique identities. Convincing politicians and developers to share this vision isn’t always easy, but even the act of co-creating a shared dream can be transformative.
Looking Ahead
Gunnar from Nordic Edge aimed the last day of the gathering on the focus to the project’s outreach strategy for 2025. With several events on the horizon, he posed a central challenge: How do we unify these activities into one compelling story for NEB-STAR’s final year?
The coming events won’t just showcase our achievements—they’ll define the legacy of NEB-STAR.
Prague reminded us of the power of collaboration and the importance of urgency. With the finish line in sight, we’re doubling down on what works and challenging ourselves to go further. From rethinking finance to reshaping our story, NEB-STAR is on a mission to leave a lasting impact.