Asking questions together.

For us, research means:
asking questions together, boldly breaking new ground, and developing solutions that serve people and nature.

We combine scientific curiosity with an open heart for transformation—both locally and internationally. Our research work thrives on cooperation, empathy, and the vision of a livable future for all.

We work in an interdisciplinary manner, develop innovative methods, foster fruitful communication, and promote change in the spirit of sustainable development worldwide.

The following areas and reference projects illustrate how we understand and live transformative research.

We live our transformative understanding of research in these projects:

Action research & cash flow

Action research combines research and practical action. Together with our companions—teams, organizations, or communities—we analyze challenges and develop new solutions at the same time.

Action research as a method is participatory, practical, and goal-oriented. In this way, knowledge and experience are not only gathered but also immediately implemented to create something new.

And we focus our action research on the topic of money. Because money is much more than a medium of exchange—it reflects our social dynamics. In our Moneyflow practice, we explore how conscious use of money strengthens trust, clarity, and freedom. Through direct gift money transfers from person to person, we practice using money as a tool for personal and collective development.

Nature & Technologies

We develop solutions that close cycles, conserve resources, and regenerate habitats. In doing so, we combine nature-based approaches with innovative technology to create ecological, economic, and social added value.

One example is the act4value project, in which organic waste is converted into valuable raw materials. This creates economic opportunities from sustainable materials – while at the same time using resources efficiently and reducing environmental impact.

Our approach is interdisciplinary and practical: we work with experts from science, business, education, and administration to develop innovative methods and implement them together. The goal is to promote sustainable innovations that are not only theoretical but also directly effective—both locally and internationally.

Participation & digitalization

Research becomes stronger when many voices are heard. With digital tools and participatory methods, we create spaces where people can actively participate, contribute their experiences, and try out new forms of decision-making.

One example of this is the VREDE project, a digital tool for participatory decision-making. Here, groups, organizations, and communities can discuss issues together, set priorities, and make decisions in a transparent and comprehensible manner. By combining digital technology and participatory methodology, we enable a diversity of perspectives to become visible and innovative solutions to emerge.

Our approach is practical, inclusive, and hands-on. This way, participation becomes not just a theoretical concept, but a lived process. We incorporate proven methods such as sociocracy, systemic consensus, and Peter König's source principles.

Learn more about these four selected reference projects:

Hydrousa

Vrede
Visual Tool for Responsible Decisions

Las Mercedes
Reserva Natural de las Aguas

Hemp
Hosting Empowerment/Hosting Innovation (Erasmus+)

HYDROUSA

As part of the EU Horizon 2020 project HYDROUSA, plenum worked on innovative nature-based water solutions. Our tasks included supporting program management, collecting international financing instruments, and moderating meetings.

We developed and implemented a green event standard. We also researched financing models—from EU subsidies and institutional funds to municipal funds and crowd investing—and created a funding opportunities report to promote the dissemination and replication of HYDROUSA innovations.

A particular highlight was the replication workshop in Vienna, which we conducted together with alchemia nova. Nature-based water solutions for Austria and Germany were presented there.

VREDE – Visual Tool for Responsible Decisions (2019-2023)

The VREDE (Visual Tool for Responsible Decisions) project aimed to support participatory group decisions through a visual tool. The project was funded by the FFG via Laura Bassi 4.0.

As part of VREDE, we developed a phase model for group decisions and created guiding questions for moderation – freely available under Creative Commons. In addition, a prototype of the online tool was designed, including templates and scribbles, to provide practical support for the decision-making process.

Special focus was placed on visualization, usability, inclusivity, gender, and diversity, as well as iterative moderation and evaluation in real teams. The project thus laid the foundation for efficient, transparent, and participatory decision-making processes that can be directly applied in companies and organizations.

A follow-up project has already been approved to continue the work and expand the tools. This will start in November 2025.

LAS MERCEDES –Reserva Natural de las Aguas (since 2019 - ongoing)

plenum supports the Austrian Institute for Sustainable Development (ÖIN) in key areas of management and communication on the Austrian side. In close cooperation with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna.

The aim of the project is to protect a threatened rainforest area in Colombia: valuable habitats are being preserved through the purchase of 550 hectares and the securing of 27,500 hectares. At the same time, sustainable agriculture is being introduced, for example rotational grazing with water buffalo and agroforestry systems for coffee and cocoa.

Another focus is on communication and participation: in close cooperation with the artists' association ArtEmbassy, local initiatives are supported and local people are actively involved.

In addition, the eco-social impact of the project is being evaluated in line with the UN Agenda 2030 to ensure long-term impact in terms of sustainable development.

HEMP – Hosting Empowerment (2020-2023, Erasmus+)

The HEMP project focuses on empowerment for vulnerable groups. plenum was actively involved and developed a wide range of practical materials to strengthen self-efficacy, courage, and active engagement.

The workbook “Live Life to the Fullest” (German/English + 8 other languages)

A Guide for Facilitators for the practical implementation of empowerment

A method database with proven empowerment and innovation approaches

Short films under the motto “Your story matters”

Interactive digital learning journeys under the title INNERTOPIA

With these tools, the HEMP project supports people in recognizing their own potential, sharing experiences, and taking active steps to strengthen their life situation in the long term.