Co-creation Process Research Articles

Co-creation of a qualitative fertility research study to understand waiting time experiences through patient engagement

BackgroundInfertility affects an estimated 8 to 12% of the global population and approximately one in six heterosexual couples in Canada. To access fertility services in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, individuals with an infertility diagnosis wait for extended periods, and this waiting period has been associated with psychological distress. However, this experience of waiting has not been well studied, and several gaps in fertility research exist. The inclusion of persons with lived experience of infertility in the creation of studies related to infertility may improve research outcomes and create patient empowerment.AimTo collaboratively develop a qualitative research project focused on understanding the waiting experiences of patients seeking fertility services in Newfoundland and Labrador, utilizing patient engagement initiatives and involving individuals with infertility experiences.MethodsThree patient partners who represented individuals awaiting fertility services were recruited to be research team members. Patient partners were eligible to participate as research team members if they identified as either female or non-binary (to effectively represent the female and non-binary target population in the co-produced qualitative study) and had lived experience waiting for fertility services in the province. The research team developed a detailed patient engagement plan following the International Association for Public Participation framework (IAP2). Data from research team discussion groups were documented using a meeting minutes template. Two questionnaires from the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool were employed to assess patient partners’ impact and satisfaction with the research process.ResultsPatient partner involvement and input helped the co-creation process by refocusing the qualitative study’s research aim to empower patients. To accomplish the new research aim, the patient partners refined the study’s methodology through adjustments to the research design, protocol, interview guide, and participant criteria of the upcoming qualitative study. The PPEET analysis demonstrated high satisfaction with engagement and a high perceived value of patient contributions in the co-creation of the research study. In turn, the PPEET results indicated that patient partners had a comprehensive understanding of their roles for engagement and were satisfied with their involvement in the various research activities.ConclusionsIn conclusion, using patient engagement to co-create a qualitative fertility study to understand patients’ experiences while waiting for fertility services resulted in significant changes to the proposed methodology and research priorities and helped address knowledge gaps in existing fertility research. Most importantly, the patient engagement approach helped foster an inclusive and empowering environment for patient partners to contribute to fertility research.

Beyond the transaction: exploring resources stewardship, relational connectedness and co-creation in B2B marketing

Purpose This study aims to explore the interplay between resource stewardship, relational connectedness and value co-creation in business-to-business (B2B) marketing, addressing gaps in understanding how these elements collectively influence stakeholder relationships and organizational outcomes. Drawing on stewardship theory, social exchange theory and service-dominant logic, the study develops a model that highlights the synergies between ethical resource management, strategic relational engagement and co-creative value processes. Design/methodology/approach Using an abductive qualitative approach, the study focuses on the B2B service sector in an emerging economy. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 30 management professionals and analyzed thematically, supported by a network view to visualize the interconnected dynamics. Findings Resource stewardship emerges as a key driver of trust and relational connectedness, which facilitates collaborative innovation and value co-creation. Relational connectedness enhances loyalty and cooperative problem-solving, while active participation in co-creation fosters shared ownership, satisfaction and long-term engagement. Research limitations/implications The study’s context-specific focus on an emerging economy limits broader applicability, suggesting future cross-industry, cross-cultural approach and quantitative validation. Originality/value This study presents an empirically grounded framework that advances theoretical understanding and offers practical insights for optimizing B2B marketing strategies through resource stewardship, relational connectedness and co-creative practices.

A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Interaction on Value Co-Creation in Online Collaborative Innovation Communities Based on the Service Ecosystem Framework

Interaction is typically at the core of the value co-creation process through operant resource exchange in online collaborative innovation communities (OCICs). While some studies emphasize the facilitating effect of interaction on value co-creation, others have drawn opposite conclusions, such as more peer interaction leads to less idea generation. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to utilize the service ecosystem framework to clarify the overall relationship between interaction and value co-creation and to explore the moderating factors that may have contributed to the divergence and inconsistency of previous studies. We conducted a meta-analysis of 65 effect sizes obtained from 63 articles with a cumulative sample size of 25,185 between 2004 and 2023, using a random effects model. The results indicate that interaction has a significantly positive impact on user value co-creation within OCICs (r = 0.453, 95%CI [0.405, 0.499]), and the heterogeneity among studies was significant (Q = 1409.29, p < 0.001). The strength of this correlation was moderated by the types of interaction (human–computer or human–human interactions), the types of OCICs (business-sponsored or socially constructed online communities), and the number of involved OCICs (one or multiple online communities), but not by the cultural background. These findings support the service ecosystem perspective rather than resource scarcity theory by resolving the mixed findings regarding the relationship between interaction and user value co-creation. Furthermore, this study systematically examined the contingent factors separately across three levels, micro (types of actor interactions), meso (types and number of OCICs), and macro (cultural background), combining the whole and the part insights, and empirically integrating service ecosystems as the foundational paradigm and unit of analysis for value co-creation research for the first time. This research contributes to theoretical frameworks in service ecosystems and offers actionable insights for management practices in business and marketing.

Open innovation: the experience of NaturTEC-Kids Living Lab in the co-design of a video game to engage children and adolescents with nature

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to describe and analyze the process of co-creation and evaluation of an educational video game application called “Natur-Kingdom,” developed within the framework of the NaturTEC-Kids Living Lab with the active participation of children and adolescents. This article aims to demonstrate how the integration of end users into the creation process of this techno-educational solution enabled the identification and adaptation of key elements, focusing on technology’s role in connecting children to the natural environment, fostering ecological awareness, and promoting pro-environmental behaviors. Additionally, it aims to highlight the effectiveness of co-design, testing, and evaluation sessions, in identifying areas for improvement and optimization in the design, ensuring that the final technological system meets its pedagogical objectives and remains accessible and appealing to its target audience.

Co-creating with teachers during participatory action research: Teachers’ perceptions, researchers’ dilemmas, and some possible strategies to enhance communication in the field

The study explores teachers’ perception of the level of involvement of academic researchers in participatory action research and outlines some possible strategies to enhance communication during the process of co-creation. Data were collected within a pilot action that involved 159 pupils and 16 teachers in a preschool and a primary school in Italy. Throughout the research process, researchers tended to limit their direct interventions in the planning and implementation of the activities in order to avoid surreptitiously shaping the activities from their epistemically authoritative position. This choice was effective in promoting teachers’ and children’s ideas and resulted in a set of activities that positively impacted everyday school life. However, the analysis of the post-hoc interviews illustrates that several teachers evaluated this posture negatively. It is argued that these negative evaluations point to a dilemma that researchers inevitably face when adopting a methodological framework based on co-creation. On the basis of this critical appraisal of teachers’ perceptions, the article outlines some implications for researchers’ professional practice and some possible strategies to improve communication in the field.

Social prescribing initiatives connecting general practice patients with community-based physical activity: A scoping review with expert interviews.

The World Health Organization states that physical inactivity is one of the leading behavioural risk factors for disability and mortality in Europe. Social prescribing holds promise as a possible solution by connecting patients from general practice to community-based physical activity. Although research within social prescribing exists, the process of connecting general practice patients to community-based physical activity is not well investigated. This scoping review aimed to summarise and synthesise knowledge on social prescribing provided by health professionals in general practice towards community-based physical activity. A systematic search for literature in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, SportsDiscus and other sources was conducted to identify initiatives connecting general practice to community-based physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with subject-specific national experts. Finally, preliminary findings from the literature and the interviews were used in a co-creation process with experts to synthesise and finalise the results of a thematic analysis across data sources. Based on 19 records, five expert interviews and subsequent co-creation, we identified three themes: (a) barriers and facilitators, (b) organisational perspectives and (c) value-based considerations. This review illuminates the complex nature of social prescribing programmes that connect general practice patients to community-based physical activity in Denmark. It also presents practical and fundamental considerations when applying social prescribing across different settings.

Co-creation and community engagement in implementation research with vulnerable populations: a co-creation process in China.

Background Top-down implementation strategies led by researchers often generate limited or tokenistic community engagement. Co-creation, a community engagement methodology, aims to create a shared leadership role of program beneficiaries in the development and implementation of programs, and encourages early and deep involvement of community members. We describe our experience using a four-stage co-creation approach to adapt and implement a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) testing intervention among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Methods We adapted a four-stage approach to co-creation. First, we conducted a needs assessment based on our prior work and discussions with community members. Second, we planned for co-creation by establishing co-creator roles and recruiting co-creators using both stratified convenience and opportunistic sampling. Third, we conducted co-creation via hybrid online/in-person focus groups (four multistakeholder groups and four MSM-only groups). Finally, we evaluated validity of the co-creation process through qualitative observations by research staff, analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis, and evaluated co-creator experience through post-discussion survey Likert scales and open-ended feedback. Results Needs assessment identified the needs to adapt our STD intervention to be independently run at community-based and public clinics, and to develop explanations and principles of co-creation for our potential co-creators. In total, there were 17 co-creation members: one co-creation lead (researcher), two co-chairs (one gay influencer and one research assistant), eight MSM community members, four health workers (two health professionals and two lay health workers) and two research implementers and observers. Co-created contents for the trial included strategies to decrease stigma and tailor interventions to MSM at public STD clinics, strategies to integrate STD testing services into existing community-led clinics, and intervention components to enhance acceptability and community engagement. Our evaluation of validity identified three main themes: challenges with representation, inclusivity versus power dynamics and importance of leadership. Surveys and free responses suggested that the majority of co-creators had a positive experience and desired more ownership. Conclusion We successfully adapted a structured co-creation approach to adapt and implement an STD testing intervention for a vulnerable population. This approach may be useful for implementation, and further research is needed in other contexts and populations.

Unveiling Sustainable Co-Creation Patterns in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems of Shanghai’s High-Density Urban Communities

Communities in China’s high-density cities, like Shanghai, are evolving from traditional residential roles into vibrant centers of entrepreneurial innovation. This research delves into the development of community-supported entrepreneurial ecosystems (CSEEs) in the city, with a specific focus on the sustainable co-creation mechanisms facilitated by stakeholders, explored through a comparative study framework. By utilizing Kelly’s Repertory Grid Technique, 14 essential elements of co-creation are identified, which form the framework for classifying the cases into three distinct types. This study employs in-depth interviews and content analysis to analyze and contrast how these co-creation patterns are applied across cases representing each type. The results show that key factors, such as resource origins, the interaction between CSEEs and embedded communities, and participant selection strategies, significantly shape the variations in value co-creation mechanisms, processes, and outcomes. Recognizing the variety of co-creation models is crucial for enhancing both the vitality and efficiency of Shanghai’s CSEEs. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights into managing co-creation efforts and predicting risks in similar contexts, contributing to the sustainable regeneration of urban areas through community-driven entrepreneurship and innovation.

Training in Co-Creation as a Methodological Approach to Improve AI Fairness

Participatory design (PD) and co-creation (Co-C) approaches to building Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems have become increasingly popular exercises for ensuring greater social inclusion and fairness in technological transformation by accounting for the experiences of vulnerable or disadvantaged social groups; however, such design work is challenging in practice, partly because of the inaccessible domain of technical expertise inherent to AI design. This paper evaluates a methodological approach to make addressing AI bias more accessible by incorporating a training component on AI bias in a Co-C process with vulnerable and marginalized participant groups. This was applied by socio-technical researchers involved in creating an AI bias mitigation developer toolkit. This paper’s analysis emphasizes that critical reflection on how to use training in Co-C appropriately and how such training should be designed and implemented is necessary to ensure training allows for a genuinely more inclusive approach to AI systems design when those most at risk of being adversely affected by AI technologies are often not the intended end-users of said technologies. This is acutely relevant as Co-C exercises are increasingly used to demonstrate regulatory compliance and ethical practice by powerful institutions and actors developing AI systems, particularly in the ethical and regulatory environment coalescing around the European Union’s recent AI Act.

Teachers’, Researchers’, and Educators’ Partnerships: The Effect of Co-Creation on Pupils’ Problem-Solving Performance in Mathematics

The collaboration between teachers, researchers, and educators has proven essential in advancing teacher professional development and improving pupils’ outcomes. This study investigates the effect of co-creating instructional materials and lesson plans on pupils’ mathematics problem-solving skills by employing the principles of co-creation and design-based research (DBR) to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the outcomes. A sample of 530 pupils from six primary schools was used, and data were collected using problem assessment sheets for primary 1, 2, and 3 pupils. The assessment tools measured pupils’ problem-solving understanding and competencies across numbers and algebra, measurement and geometry, and data strands. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied. The findings revealed that pupils’ performance improved across all three strands due to the co-creation process, with the most significant improvements observed among female pupils and those from rural schools. The factorial ANOVA results showed a significant interaction effect between class level and school location in the geometry and measurement and data strands, with F (2, 518) = 15.15, p < 0.001, and F (2, 518) = 12.28, p < 0.001, respectively. However, the interaction effect of the three independent variables on pupils’ performance in the numbers and algebra strand, F (2, 518) = 1.073, p = 0.342, was not significant. The study concludes that co-creation between teachers, researchers, and educators holds substantial potential for enhancing the teaching and learning of problem solving in schools and provides an excellent opportunity for teachers, educators, and researchers to harness their skills and competencies to improve mathematics teaching and learning.

Co-Creation in Research: Further Reflections From the 'Co-Creating Safe Spaces' Project.

Applied research using co-creation methods is rarely described or evaluated in detail. Practical evidence of co-creation processes and collaboration effectiveness is needed to better understand its complex and dynamic nature. Using a case study design and survey method, we assessed processes of co-implementation and co-evaluation grounded in our own experiences from the Co-Creating Safe Spaces project. We examine these in the context of a published systematic framework designed to improve clarity about co-creation processes and report on how co-creation was experienced by collaborative partners. Our study showed the interconnectedness between co-implementation and co-evaluation processes and the importance of aligning research with program processes to ensure it is responsive to emergent local needs and problems. Given relatively low levels of researcher embeddedness across sites, service champions played a pivotal role in data collection. Survey findings indicated strong support for a healthy collaboration with some concerns expressed over individual partner's areas of responsibility and ability to deliver on commitments. Co-creation can be a very robust approach to translational research but is a complex endeavour. Ongoing reflexivity and attention to relational aspects support genuine collaboration and provide a foundation for addressing challenges. People with lived experience of emotional distress and/or suicidal crisis, including researchers from both academic and non-research backgrounds, service managers, peer workers, carers and advocates, were involved in this research and authored this paper.

El papel de los <i>food system living labs</i> en el establecimiento de sistemas agroalimentarios sostenibles y resilientes en Colombia

Agrifood systems are crucial in food security, sustainability, and social equity. In a global context marked by challenges such as climate change and population growth, it is essential to propose new methodologies to understand the complex interconnections between the different actors and activities of the food system. In this context, food system living labs (FSLL) emerge as an effective strategy to generate alternative solutions that enable an efficient transition to resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. This review explores the concept and relevance of food system living labs, focusing on their importance, the innovations implemented, the economic, social, and environmental impacts they generate, and the challenges and successful strategies in their implementation. In addition, it analyzes four key aspects for their success: i) collaborative innovation platforms, ii) innovation for sustainability, iii) experimentation in real environments, and iv) development and adoption of new technologies, all within the framework of multisectoral participation and co-creation processes with local actors in rural and urban contexts. Finally, it proposes a model for implementation in Colombia.

Aprendizaje social en interacciones de cocreación. Análisis desde representaciones sociales

The objective was to encourage participation for direction and social learning with co-creation processes. A qualitative approach was used, and the study population was NARP communities (blacks, afros, raizales and palenqueros) from Medellín. The results configured four categories: social representations about the NARP community; social representations about a foundation specialized in ethno-health; social learning; co-creation development for strategic direction and knowledge management. It was concluded that co-creation processes flow if the participants have a shared vision of the problems, the challenges are intrinsically in each participant and creativity is linked to solidarity. It was found that collective creativity processes generate dialogic social learning, situated in specific problems and add capabilities for territorial development.

Integrating Social Aspects into Energy System Modelling Through the Lens of Public Perspectives: A Review

The energy system model (ESM) predominantly emphasises techno-economic factors and often overlooks the essential social dimensions that are crucial for successful energy transitions. This review investigates the integration of social aspects into energy system models (ESMs) and explores approaches for incorporating public perspectives. Through a systematic literature review utilising the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach (PRISMA), 79 relevant publications were identified. The analysis revealed that while some studies considered socio-economic and socio-environmental elements, these efforts are frequently insufficient to fully comprehend social dynamics. The review highlights the significance of public engagement in ESMs, with 29 studies demonstrating some form of public participation. However, current engagement strategies are often limited to information sharing and consultation, with minimal strong collaboration. This study advocates for the implementation of transparent collaborative approaches in ESMs, including co-creation, active participation, and iterative processes, to enhance the comprehensiveness and societal relevance of models. It also addresses challenges, such as time constraints and the conversion of qualitative inputs into quantitative parameters. The review concludes by calling for further research to develop transparent, iterative frameworks for collaborative approaches in ESMs, emphasising the inclusion of vulnerable population perspectives to ensure equitable energy transitions and more effective, socially acceptable outcomes.

What are the potentials for local governments when participating in research on knowledge co-creation through nature-based solutions?

AbstractNature-based solutions (NbS) have been put forward as an approach to meet many of the challenges facing cities globally, such as increased temperatures, flooding and loss of biodiversity. Co-creation is a central part of the NbS approach, with the use of urban living laboratories (ULLs) as a mechanism for supporting co-creation processes. In this perspective essay, we will reflect on the potential for knowledge co-creation of NbS within an ULL context, based on the experiences from the EU H2020-funded projects REGREEN and CONEXUS. Furthermore, we will discuss how NbS and ULLs have the potential to contribute to transformative change. This is done through elaborating on processes of knowledge co-creation, communication and learning, as well as discussing the impacts which REGREEN and similar projects could have, focusing on the role of local governmental agencies.

Neurodiversity and inclusive social value management practices

Abstract The neurodiversity movement takes a societal view of individual differences by suggesting that people should be respected and not necessarily medically treated based on personal attributes. This commentary article discusses how human differences in intellectual capacities should be considered as another form of diversity with the requirement for medical intervention needing to be considered in terms of overall social change. As a significant portion of the overall workforce could be considered as people with some form of neurological disability this article analyses how co-creation processes occur meaning neurodiverse individuals should be accepted in society regardless of their differences. This article contributes to societal discussions around managing diversity as in society the socio-demographic categories such as age and gender are well established, but newer categories such as neurodiversity are required.

Circular economy from companies and consumers perspectives: toward value co-creation

The paper aims to confront consumers’ and businesses’ perspectives on the circular economy (CE) R-strategies' and to indicate the level of their implementation in value co-creation. The analysis are based on empirical studies conducted among companies and consumers in Poland in 2022 and 2023. The results indicate the initial stage of implementing the R-strategies among both groups. This demonstrates the continued need for their dissemination. Moreover, the actions taken by companies and consumers are only partially in line. Despite its great potential, the value co-creation process seems underestimated. The CE transition requires reconfiguring the activities carried out in companies in the offered value proposition, carrying out the company's processes and relations with external stakeholders, organising business architecture and its environment, and adjusting the company's individual functions and activities. However, before all, the companies must include consumers in planning R-strategies.

Art and design workshops at a residential care facility – social care professionals’ experiences of co-creation and participation in designing the physical environment

BackgroundCo-creation and participation among different user groups have been highlighted as pivotal for improving residential care facilities for older persons. However, more knowledge is needed on methods aiming to overcome challenges in constructing inclusive co-creation and participation processes. In particular, there is a need for knowledge concerning how art and design workshops could contribute to co-creation and participation of social care professionals designing the physical environment in residential care facilities. Therefore, this study aimed to examine how art and design workshops can contribute to co-creation and participation in designing the physical environment with residential care facility professionals.MethodsA qualitative method was used to investigate social care professionals’ experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured group interviews and analysed with inspiration from Corbin and Strauss’s analysis method.ResultsThis study concludes that art and design workshops could serve as deliberating and developing practices. First, the art and design workshop as a deliberating practice involves conditions that create a communication arena and space supporting professionals in sharing experiences and voicing different perspectives. Second, the art and design workshop, as a developing practice, supports shared agency through dialogue focusing on designing the physical environment in residential care facilities, using photographs, materials, and fabrics.ConclusionsThis research contributes to the understanding of the relevance of art and design workshops and co-creation between artists and social care professionals in designing the physical environment in residential care facilities. The study can be valuable in identifying important mechanisms that facilitate co-creation and participation among social care professionals, as well as the development of art and design as a tool for improving environments in residential care facilities. The research focuses on how art and design workshops could influence co-creation and participation through art and design from the perspective of social care professionals.

A multi-case study exploring the effect of interventions on food safety culture maturity

In each food business, a food safety culture (FSC) with a certain maturity level prevails. Previous research has demonstrated that the maturity level of the prevailing FSC can be assessed, but empirical proof of FSC maturity improvement remains limited especially in food processing companies. This study aimed to zoom in on the food safety culture improvement trajectory of four food processing case studies, focusing on human-organizational dimensions of food safety culture. First, a pre-assessment of the maturity of the prevailing food safety culture was executed in each case company (assessment time 1) by application of a validated mixed-methods methodology which includes three different tools (the food safety climate questionnaire, management interview, and on-site evidence collection visits). Based on this pre-assessment, underdeveloped dimensions or gaps in the prevailing food safety culture were identified to find improvement needs. In each of the 4 included distinct case companies, an intervention was implemented. In the first case company, case 1, a food safety key performance indicator (KPI) system was implemented as the intervention, with shared monitoring and shared responsibilities for KPI improvement. Coincidentally, case company 2 and case company 4 selected the same intervention. Case 2, as well as case 4, decided to implement structured group discussions with operators to collect input for collaborative action point selection, aiming for their active involvement in food safety. In case 3, a food safety culture check system was implemented for systematic reward and recognition. After intervention implementation, the post-assessment was conducted (assessment time 2), applying the exact same methodology as the pre-assessment. To investigate the extent of improvement, comparison of the pre- and post-assessment in each of the four cases was first done descriptively by comparing the means. Next, data collected via the food safety climate questionnaire was compared statistically via Mann-Whitney U tests. Analyses showed a substantial objective and subjective (employees’ perceptions) improvement of the targeted food safety culture gaps in companies 1 and 2, demonstrating that food safety culture improvement was achievable through a science-based and cocreated intervention process and implementation plan compliance. In cases 3 and 4, marginal improvements and unchanged scores were revealed. Comparison of cases’ trajectory characteristics and resulting success rates demonstrated that senior management involvement was essential for interventional success, as well as implementing culture interventions on an organizational or group level, instead of only including selected employees.

An interdisciplinary research field transformed into an intermedial science exploration programme: how to explore neurotronics research and development in a school student laboratory programme

This work presents the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary and intermedial science outreach programme designed for school students. The programme integrates biological systems and technological advancements to provide students with hands-on laboratory experiences and immersive media, including virtual reality videos and augmented reality posters. Through a co-creation process involving scientists and educators, the programme aims to enhance students understanding of bio-inspired information pathways and neurogenesis. Preliminary evaluations indicate high engagement and educational value, suggesting that such interdisciplinary approaches can significantly enrich science education.Graphical abstract