‘Wicked problems’ like Harmful and Immoral Online Behaviour is a complex social phenomenon which the Ministry of Justice and Security feel increasing urgency for. However, because such a phenomenon is complex and fast-paced it is hard to respond to.

Since 2018 Directie X has started to draw attention to Harmful and Immoral Online Behaviour within the Ministry of Justice and Security. But the (potential) stakeholders found the complexity too high to take ownership and action. The current process is a way of working which has been initiated to respond to wicked problems like’ ‘Harmful and Immoral Online Behaviour’. Unfortunately this way of working results in the problem being moved around the Ministry as ‘un-opened boxes’. From interviews, observations, and collaborating with the current process themes emerged surrounding the way of working. Themes are aspects which hinder ‘opening the boxes’.

This project suggests a strategy for the Ministry of Justice and Security to transition towards an alternative way of working which focuses on actionability to be able to effectively respond to wicked problems like Harmful and Immoral Online Behaviour.