Co-creation journeys: real-life experiments for better inclusion of society in STI 

As a non-linear process that involves multiple actors and stakeholders in the ideation, implementation and assessment of products, services, policies and systems, co-creation is a powerful tool for the development of an inclusive science and innovation system that tackles the societal challenges of our world. Co-creation is a dialectical process that brings and aligns different perspectives, and as such can help bridge the gap between society and science, technology and innovation.

However, policymakers, researchers and other relevant stakeholders are not fully aware of the possibilities it offers. Gaining a better knowledge of this phenomenon is crucial to deepen and extend the use of such methodologies. To achieve that, SISCODE is running a European wide study to compare co-creation ecosystems to understand its dynamics as well as the outcomes it generates.

As an integral part of SISCODE’s investigation, the project will implement 10 co-creation journeys within 10 co-creation labs across Europe by September 2020. These high-impact real-life experiments aim at increasing the knowledge on co-creation practices and the effectiveness in design methodologies in combining co-construction (ideation) and the co-production (implementation) of solutions and policies. Bringing together local partners and stakeholders in a co-creation process (from co-design to co-production of prototypes and back to co-design), each co-creation journey tackles a specific societal challenge, creating inspiring, tangible and locally designed solutions and policies with a strong potential for replication. Throughout this process, a range of different cultural, institutional and regulatory backgrounds will be taken into account, integrating society with science and innovation further.

For more information on the Co-Creation journeys and challenges read the full article on SISCODE website.

Co-creation in practice: The CAMELLIA project

Researchers at University College London (UCL) have just begun working on Community Water Management for a Liveable London (CAMELLIA), a new £4m project on water management in London. The project is being led by Imperial College London, in collaboration with the British Geological Survey and the University of Oxford. The partners include Peabody, one of London’s oldest and largest housing providers, local communities and housing estate residents as well as Thames Water, London Underground, Greater London Authority and Affinity Water.

The growing population of London and its planned housing requires water to be supplied and flooding to be reduced as far as possible. However, the region is vulnerable to water shortages (droughts) and floods. This challenge is likely to worsen with climate change, alongside the expected economic growth of London and an associated increase in population.

Prof Sarah Bell from UCL is leading work on community engagement within the project. She says “This is a unique opportunity to bring together top-down and bottom-up approaches to improving quality of life in London while protecting our water resources and environment”. See what else she has to say, here

Co-creation for quality of life

First Lab exchange  in Milan

Let’s talk about air! A KTP co-creation journey event

Under the influence: the science of choice by TRACES

This newsletter was authored by University College London. Newsletter coordination and distribution by Ecsite.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 774088.