Case study

iac Berlin builds collaborative alumni network to help solve complex global challenges

The Do and Think tank partnered with Hivebrite to create a vibrant, impact-oriented network.

The growing ownership of the network correlates with the percentage of member-organized projects on the platform that has risen from 35% in 2017 to over 90% since 2020—and shows no sign of slowing down.

Tobias Gerber
Head of Communications and Community Management, iac Berlin

3x

Increase in member-driven projects

8,000+

Activated profiles

 

Strengthened relationship of members and mission

About iac Berlin

iac Berlin was created by the foundation, Robert Bosch Stiftung, as a Do and Think Tank to support the development of impact-oriented networks and coordinate the Bosch Alumni Network.

It partners with foundations, academia, public institutions, and non-profit organizations; advises on alumni work; develops practical solutions for the design of impact-oriented networks; and initiates new forms of collaboration.

Visit the community

Bosch Alumni Network Connects Global Changemakers to Drive Social Impact

As global challenges such as inequality, social division, climate change, migration, and threats to democracy become increasingly interconnected, collaboration across sectors and borders is more important than ever. To foster meaningful connections and collective action, Robert Bosch Stiftung and iac Berlin set out to build a global community that would unite former and current fellows, grantees, and staff members around a shared mission of creating positive social change.

The Challenge

Robert Bosch Stiftung recognized that its extensive network of alumni represented a powerful resource for addressing complex societal and environmental challenges. However, these individuals were dispersed across countries, programs, disciplines, and professional sectors, making it difficult to maintain connections and facilitate collaboration at scale.

The organization needed a secure, decentralized platform where members could easily connect with one another, share knowledge, organize initiatives, and build partnerships across geographic and thematic boundaries. Equally important was creating a community model that encouraged member ownership rather than relying solely on centralized management.

Hivebrite’s full-stack community platform enabled the Bosch Alumni Network to:

Facilitate organic connections

Foster independent sub-communities to enable connections while maintaining institutional governance

Create a repository of knowledge

Build a centralized knowledge hub that leverages member expertise

Nurture career development

Support member career advancement through mentoring programs, job opportunities and networking tools

Encourage collaboration and innovation

Facilitate partnerships and networks to drive industry advancement and promote innovation

Promote advocacy efforts

Empower members to amplify their impact, collaborate, advocate, and drive engagement

Gather data and insights

Monitor user behavior, engagement metrics, and content performance to measure the impact of initiatives

The Hivebrite solution

iac Berlin selected Hivebrite to power the Bosch Alumni Network as a global, GDPR-compliant community platform designed to foster collaboration and engagement.

The platform was structured around both program-based and thematic groups, enabling members with shared experiences or interests to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects. Rather than being managed centrally, these groups are largely driven by community members themselves, encouraging ownership and long-term engagement.

Hivebrite’s member directory and interactive map became central networking tools, helping members discover like-minded individuals across regions and disciplines. The platform also provides tools for organizing events, creating project pages, sharing initiatives, and sourcing support from the broader community, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and innovation.

Key features designed for alumni networks

Jobs and opportunities

Create a versatile opportunities board that enables sharing of jobs, internships, and volunteer positions while integrating external sources and leveraging community engagement through customizable workflows, notifications, and peer-sharing capabilities.

Events and ticketing

Create engaging online and in-person events through an integrated management system that enables RSVP tracking, paid ticketing, QR code functionality, and virtual delivery options while leveraging community features to enhance attendee experience before, during, and after each event.

The outcome

Five years after launch, the Bosch Alumni Network has grown to more than 8,000 members representing over 140 countries and more than 100 Robert Bosch Stiftung programs.

The platform has evolved from a traditional hub-and-spoke model into a vibrant, member-led network where individuals actively collaborate on projects, exchange expertise, and support one another in addressing societal challenges. Members increasingly take ownership of the community, driving engagement and creating new opportunities for cooperation and impact.

This shift is reflected in the dramatic growth of member-led initiatives. While member-organized projects accounted for just 35% of activity in 2017, they have represented more than 90% of projects since 2020. Numerous initiatives that originated within the network have gone on to receive media attention and participate in high-profile public discussions, demonstrating the network’s growing influence and real-world impact.

Today, the Bosch Alumni Network serves as a thriving global ecosystem where thousands of changemakers connect, collaborate, and co-create solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

“The growing ownership of the network correlates with the percentage of member-organized projects on the platform that has risen from 35% in 2017 to over 90% since 2020—and shows no sign of slowing down.”

Tobias Gerber

Head of Communications and Community Management, iac Berlin