Het Nieuwe Instituut adds substance to this in various ways, first and foremost by commissioning both young and established designers for whom specific assignments can represent a substantial step in their development, while explicitly seeking out the experimental. The design platform on this website lists recent projects that have been developed together with graphic, digital and spatial designers.

Secondly, Het Nieuwe Instituut organises and develops specific programmes involving talent development. These include the fellowship programme of the Research department, the New Material Award, the presentation of the Prix de Rome Architecture, the Piet Zwart Institute's graduation show, and a peer-to-peer programme for young Rotterdammers.

Thirdly, in the web magazine Talent we offer space for reflection on dominant ideas about 'talent' and its development, from the role that education plays and the ways subsidies are organised, to international expectations of talent and support for international students after studying. We also organise public and private events and discussions about talent development with educational institutions, organisations and policymakers.

Finally, Het Nieuwe Instituut presents makers on an international stage and gives advice to designers aiming to work internationally.