A design-driven engagement strategy for the creation and development of Renewable Energy Communities

This article examines the development of an engagement strategy that supports the creation and growth of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) while remaining adaptable to diverse contexts. It conceptualises a design-driven engagement model grounded in interdisciplinary theoretical approaches and provides an initial verification through its application to real-world case studies. The study integrates academic research with participatory, design-based methods, combining the exploitation of established Strategic and Systemic Design principles with the exploration of innovative tools and practices tailored to local needs. The work is based on a preliminary theoretical study undertaken to develop an Engagement Strategy Toolbox within the EU Interreg project HERCULES-CE, which aims to create and strengthen RECs across Central Europe. The article outlines the underlying theoretical frameworks, describes the 5 W + 1H methodological structure, and illustrates its dimensions through practical case studies. It concludes by reflecting critically on the model’s potential, its limitations, and opportunities for future research and implementation.