The goal is to formulate and value circular business models at the chain level, shifting the perspective from individual organization to collaborative cycle. The theme focuses on research into:

1. the organization of new (cycle) cooperation in relation to a positive (economic) business model,
2. valuing (sub)services provided by the cooperation, and
3. financing this cycle cooperation.

Of particular importance are the cross-organizational level of circular, collaborative business models and joint learning with co-financing parties such as industry organizations and financiers.

This theme focuses on research into the development of artificial intelligence with a view to future deployment within various application areas across the sectors of the KIA Agriculture, Water, and Food (KIA LWV). For example, research into AI technology to improve modeling of biological systems, food systems, or in relation to water management. This theme cuts across the various missions of the KIA LWV.

This theme focuses on design principles for (opto)mechatronics. The key technology Mechatronics & Optomechatronics is part of the National Technology Strategy (NTS) and focuses on designing and building systems and machines that are essential to counter the societal challenges currently facing the Netherlands. The main challenges in the field of (opto)mechatronics arise from an increasing complexity of high-tech equipment and the continuous need to improve its performance. But also from the increasing interactions that must be combined into one ultimate system technical solution: from concept and basic architecture to the smallest component level. Many things need to be combined to obtain a working system, and developing a balanced design is becoming an increasingly multidisciplinary task.

The equipment and installations for the energy transition require the use of critical raw materials. These materials are scarce, while demand is expected to increase sharply in the coming years. Moreover, the vast majority (as imported raw materials, but much more often also as part of semi-finished products or end products) comes from a limited number of countries or geopolitically unfriendly regions. This theme focuses on reducing critical raw materials in the Dutch energy system (generation, transport, and use of renewable energy) through other design choices at the level of equipment and systems. For example, research into MW+ scale electrolyzers, wind turbines, or other components of the intended Dutch energy system in 2050. Research into solar energy or batteries is not within the scope of this theme.