Collaborative Innovation Research Articles

Children’s cognitive story mapping: a complex South Africa/Canada transdisciplinary collaboration

ABSTRACT This innovative transdisciplinary children's cognitive story mapping collaboration was initiated in 2022 by Circle of All Nations (CAN), Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre (GCRC) Carleton University, (in Canada), National Association of Child Care Workers (NACCW) and Durban University of Technology (DUT) (in South Africa). It integrates approaches from arts and humanities, social services and cartography in child and youth care work by engaging social service sector workers and researchers in art story map creation with children and youth. The joint engagement and research in the compilation and presentation of the data, findings and knowledge is leading to new dimensions in participatory mapping where children initiate the map creation process with workers. The children's map visualizations of social and environmental realities, concerns and needs have led to a prioritization of issues for practice, program and policy development, including in child protection case management. Researchers complement the work with national and provincial digital maps that permit analysis and focussed interventions. This article introduces the term Cognitive Story Maps; it is a preliminary exploration of theoretical frameworks, including Indigenous, that support collaborative bridge building between distinct domains of creative visualization, methodological practice and cartographic representation to generate innovations in knowledge creation and research.

How does the collaborative innovation network in construction industry evolve? Evidence from China

Technology innovation in the construction industry involves collaboration among multiple innovation organizations which formed an intricate collaborative innovation network (CIN). To understand the evolution characteristics of structural characteristics of CIN in China’s construction industry and to clarify the collaborative patterns among innovation organizations, the CIN were analyzed in terms of overall network characteristics and local collaborative patterns by using the social network analysis (SNA) and network motif analysis (NMA), respectively based on the data of projects winning the China’s Science and Technology Award in Construction (CSTAC) in 2004–2021. The results indicate that the CIN became larger but less connected and exhibited scale-free and small-world characteristics during the study period. There is a giant component in the CIN, which is gradually increasing in size and becoming more cohesive. China Academy of Building Research which had the highest degree centrality and closeness centrality and Tongji University which had the largest betweenness centrality had an important position in CIN. The main collaborative innovation mode in China’s construction industry is collaboration between enterprises, followed by collaboration between enterpriseuniversity, which has an increasing share. The results help organizations clarify their position in the CIN and inform their development of co-innovation partners.

The European Commission as an engine for international cooperation

Collaboration is crucial to pool the expertise and resources needed to devise solutions to tackle pressing global challenges. Unprecedented global challenges cannot be solved without world-leading research and the funding opportunities and initiatives provided by the European Commission (EC) are built on this premise. A document called the EC’s Global Approach to Research and Innovation 2021, sets out Europe’s strategy for international cooperation in a changing world. A key part of this is open and balanced collaborations. It highlights the important role of innovators in ensuring the wellbeing of citizens for generations to come and emphasises the need for stronger than ever cross-border collaboration to produce innovative solutions that align with the sustainable development goals and promote Europe’s resilience and competitiveness. There is an emphasis on partnerships with countries that share the same values as the EU. By developing frameworks for cooperation with non-EU countries, the goal is to push forward global efforts to solve global challenges. Strategic objectives are the promotion of open and inclusive collaboration, strengthening global partnerships and tackling global challenges through the development of solutions that will benefit everyone. There is emphasis on balancing openness with the need to protect data security, ensuring fair access to funding opportunities, strengthening frameworks for collaboration, supporting research and innovation in partner countries and supporting Horizon Europe initiatives. Horizon Europe is key to facilitating global collaboration in research and innovation. The Global Gateway is another key initiative in the EC’s strategy to enhance collaboration. Von der Leyen called it a ‘roadmap for major investment in infrastructure development around the world’.

Community-Based Village Development Strategy Leveraging Social Capital: A Case Study of Lamongan Regency

This study explores a village development strategy leveraging social capital, with Lamongan Regency as a case study, to foster inclusive, sustainable, and locally driven development. Social capital—comprising bonding, bridging, and linking—plays a pivotal role in facilitating interaction and collaboration both within the community and between the community and various stakeholders. This research adopts a qualitative approach with a descriptive method, utilizing data obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings reveal that social capital in Lamongan Regency significantly contributes to strengthening community solidarity, enhancing public participation, and expanding access to resources and opportunities. The bonding dimension manifests in strong kinship and local solidarity, while bridging and linking facilitate cross-group collaboration and connections with formal institutions. The pentahelix collaboration model—engaging the government, communities, the private sector, academia, and the media—emerges as an effective approach to supporting the implementation of village development strategies. However, several challenges were identified, including suboptimal cross-sectoral program integration, limited technical support at the village level, and insufficient private sector participation in empowerment initiatives. This study recommends a development strategy that integrates social capital with policies rooted in collaboration and local innovation to enhance rural community welfare. By adopting a holistic and sustainable approach, this social capital-based development model presents a strategic solution for other regions facing similar challenges.

Mechanisms of T-cell Depletion in Tumors and Advances in Clinical Research.

T lymphocytes (T cells) are essential components of the adaptive immune system that play a vital role in identifying and eliminating infected and tumor cells. In tumor immunotherapy, T cells have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy due to their high specificity, potent cytotoxic capability, long-lasting immune memory, and adaptability within immunotherapeutic approaches. However, tumors can evade the immune system by depleting T cells through various mechanisms, such as inhibitory receptor signaling, metabolic exhaustion, and physical barriers within the tumor microenvironment. This review provided an overview of the mechanisms underlying T-cell depletion in tumors and discussed recent advances in clinical research related to T-cell immunotherapy for tumors. It highlighted the need for in-depth studies on key issues such as indications, dosage, and sequencing of combined therapeutic strategies tailored to different patients and tumor types, providing practical guidance for individualized treatment. Future research on T-cell depletion would be necessary to uncover the fundamental mechanisms and laws of T-cell depletion, offering both theoretical insights and practical guidance for the selection and optimization of tumor immunotherapy. Furthermore, interdisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and international collaborative innovations are necessary for developing more effective and safer treatments for tumor patients.

Research on the Efficiency and Synergistic Effect of Industrial Green Innovation Development in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration

This research centers on one of northern China’s most crucial economic regions—the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration. This paper primarily addresses the present circumstances, developments, and obstacles pertaining to industrial green development and industrial innovation in the region, with a particular focus on its role in fostering integrated economic and environmental growth. This study utilizes a global super-efficiency SBM model and a coupled coordination model, along with a panel data analysis technique, to determine the extent of green development, innovation, and green innovation collaboration in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration cluster between 2018 and 2022. The study revealed that, despite notable advancements in industrial green development in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration in recent years, the disparity in urban development persists, with some cities exhibiting a relatively low input–output ratio for green innovation. There is a pressing need to enhance overall efficiency through policy guidance and technical support. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of bolstering regional collaboration and facilitating the sharing of resources and technological exchange to attain harmonized regional development.

Sharing and Co-Creating Value: Innovation in Platform-Based Agricultural Service Models Driven by Service Demand Collaboration—A Case Study of the JN Life

Platform-based agricultural service models have increasingly become a primary approach to agricultural socialized services in China. This study investigates a service-demand-driven platform-based agricultural service model through the case of JN Life initiated by nine ecological farms. Based on the theory of value co-creation, it traces the development of the JN platform ecosystem across three phases: emergence, formation, and expansion. The study examines how farm members and key stakeholders of the JN platform actively collaborate throughout these phases, transitioning from value propositions to institutional arrangements, resource integration, and achieving value co-creation. This process is referred to as an endogenous (vs. exogenous) platform-based agricultural service model. The findings provide valuable insights into advancing the sustainable development of ecological farms and agricultural socialized services, as well as enhancing collaborative innovation in the platform ecosystem.

Can Green Collaborative Innovation Enhance Corporate Resilience? An Empirical Study Based on Listed Companies in China.

Can Green Collaborative Innovation Enhance Corporate Resilience? An Empirical Study Based on Listed Companies in China.

Nexus among sustainable organizational social networks, knowledge sharing and digital innovation in High-Tech enterprises of an emerging economy

Purpose This study explores the sophisticated processes involved in knowledge dissemination and the regulatory framework of digital construction (DC). Specifically, it assesses the interaction between organizational sustainability, knowledge sharing and corporate social responsibility as essential factors in enhancing digital innovation in high-tech enterprises. The role of corporate governance is examined to engage organizational social structures and sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The research empirically evaluates the adaptation processes of organizational social networks (OSNs) and corporate collaboration to drive digital innovation. By integrating perspectives from social exchange theory and social cognition theory, a comprehensive model is developed to understand the influence of corporate social networks and collaborative creativity within enterprises. Hierarchical regression analysis is conducted on a sample of high-tech companies located in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. Findings The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between robust OSNs and enhanced collaborative innovation in business environments. Notably, the connection between OSNs and corporate collaborative creativity is partially mediated by the dissemination of information and expertise within the networks. Additionally, the integration of DC tools enhances both OSNs and collaborative innovation. This underscores the need for strategic investments in nurturing corporate social networks and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing among employees. Originality/value This study is the first to examine the nexus among OSNs, Knowledge Sharing and Digital Innovation in high-tech enterprises, contributing valuable insights through the lens of social exchange and social cognition theories.

新媒体时代下非遗古城文化传承创新性研究——以揭阳古城为例Innovative research on cultural inheritance of intangible heritage ancient City in the new media era: taking Jieyang Ancient City as an example

本研究聚焦于揭阳古城非遗文化的传承，采用实地调研、案例分析和问卷调查等方法。研究发现，该地区在非遗文化传播方面存在传播方式单一、目标对象不明确、创新性不足以及合作机制不健全等问题。例如，传统宣传手段局限、当地群众认知不足、宣传方式过于保守，与各方合作较少等。针对这些问题，本文提出了构建新媒体矩阵与多元化传播策略，以及以创新思维引领内容创作与运营的建议，例如创意策划、社群互动和文创产品开发。同时，本文还提出了促进古城文化可持续发展的具体措施，包括加强非遗传承保护、完善旅游设施与服务、深化合作交流以及持续监测与评估。此外，对于合作机制不健全的问题，本文建议通过提供线下实体支持和打造本土文创产品的策略加以改善，旨在为揭阳古城非遗文化的传承与发展提供有效路径。This study focuses on the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the ancient city of Jieyang, employing methods such as field research, case studies, and questionnaires. The findings reveal several issues, including a lack of diversity in communication methods, unclear target audiences, insufficient innovation, and underdeveloped collaboration mechanisms. Examples include the limitations of traditional promotional approaches, insufficient public awareness among local residents, conservative communication strategies, and limited cooperation with various stakeholders. To address these challenges, the study proposes constructing a new media matrix and adopting diversified communication strategies, as well as leveraging innovative thinking to guide content creation and operations. Specific suggestions include creative planning, community engagement, and cultural product development. Furthermore, the study outlines measures to promote the sustainable development of the ancient city’s culture, such as strengthening the protection of intangible cultural heritage, improving tourism facilities and services, enhancing collaboration and exchanges, and conducting continuous monitoring and evaluation. In addition, for the issue of underdeveloped collaboration mechanisms, the study recommends providing offline support and developing local cultural and creative products as strategies to improve cooperation. These recommendations aim to offer effective pathways for the inheritance and development of intangible cultural heritage in the ancient city of Jieyang.

Community Radio Research Trends in Communication Science: A Co-Authorship Bibliometric Analysis

The lack of research on community radio is one of the obstacles to gaining an in-depth understanding of the relevant development and dynamics. Collaborative research is believed to be the alternative solution as a wider research range increases interest in the study. Further, increased interest can generate a greater contribution to community radio. Using Bibliometrics, this study analyzed the development trend of co-authorship-based community radio research from 1999 to March 2024. It found several significant findings. Firstly, there are indications that the topic of community radio is of less interest in scientific literature due to the limited number of publications, only 75 articles. Secondly, there is a drastic downward trend in the number of publications on community radio over some time, from 2017 to 2024. Thirdly, from the analysis of researcher networks (co-authorship), there is no overall centralized pattern of researcher relationships. While there are some partial relationships among researchers, there must be a consistent or centralized pattern in the community radio research network. Research on community radio requires methodological renewal by investigating new and innovative approaches and collaborations that allow for the expansion of research networks.

Guru Sebagai Agen Perubahan: Peran Guru dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Pendidikan

This study aims to describe the role of teachers as agents of change in improving the quality of education at SD Negeri 244 Palembang. Through a qualitative approach with a case study method, this study involved 15 teachers as participants. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that teachers have a very important role in improving the quality of education through various activities, such as innovation in learning, self-development, and collaboration with other parties. However, there are several obstacles faced by teachers in carrying out their role as agents of change. This study concludes that teachers have a very important role as agents of change in improving the quality of education. To support the role of teachers as agents of change, various efforts are needed, such as: Continuous professional development, providing opportunities for teachers to participate in relevant training and professional development. Support from the school, providing adequate support for teachers in carrying out their duties, such as providing complete facilities and creating a conducive work environment. Collaboration with various parties, building cooperation with parents, communities, and the government to create synergy in improving the quality of education. This study has implications for teacher professional development and education policy.

Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis for Manufacturing Firms, Service Providers and Consumers in Collaborative Innovation Systems

With global economic growth and intensifying market competition, Chinese manufacturing firms are under pressure to enhance product competitiveness and adapt to changing consumer demands, requiring continuous product innovation and upgrading. This study introduces a tripartite evolutionary game model involving manufacturing firms, service providers and consumers to analyze the strategic stability and the impact of various factors on decision-making within this system. The results indicate that the decisions of these actors are interdependent, with a fair distribution of innovation benefits and costs being key to stimulating innovation enthusiasm and participation. The presence of free-riding behavior affects strategic choices, and a robust system of rewards and penalties can mitigate this problem. The cost of obtaining market information also influences service providers’ participation in innovation, with high costs potentially suppressing their involvement. This research provides insights to guide collaborative innovation efforts during industrial transformation, highlighting the direct impact of service providers and consumers on the success of manufacturing upgrades.

‘Press Start’ on Collaboration: Game‐Based Practices for Fostering Innovative Collaboration in Online Contexts

ABSTRACTThis study explores the potential of game‐based practices in enhancing organizational innovation, particularly in the context of remote work. Specifically, we examine how collaborative practices within digital gaming environments can inform and enhance the creation of social capital in remote settings and further facilitate collaborative innovation processes. Existing research predominantly focuses on the use of game‐based formats aimed at enhancing idea generation, crowdsourcing, and design processes. However, our research extends this by investigating the sustained application of game‐based practices to foster deeper relationships and cultivate a culture of learning in remote work environments. We present insights from a qualitative study involving 28 interviews with technology professionals equipped with gaming backgrounds. Overall, our results reveal three sets of game‐based practices that hold promise in supporting innovative collaboration in online settings: (1) Rich use of platforms and expressions to achieve interactional sensitivity, (2) Using games as boundary objects to enable idea flows and candid encounters and (3) Routinizing reflective practices and aligning motivations to cultivate learning cultures. Our study highlights the role of game‐based practices in meeting the diverse interactional needs of online collaboration, reducing hierarchical barriers, enabling idea flows and cultivating a learning culture through collective accountability and feedback.

Keadilan Ekonomi Islam sebagai Solusi Alternatif bagi Krisis Ekonomi Global

This study aims to analyze how Islamic economic principles can be applied effectively in the global economic system. This study uses a library research method with a comprehensive literature analysis with a descriptive and analytical approach. The results state that Islamic economics is a paradigm that offers alternatives and transformative solutions to build a more just, sustainable, and humane global economic system. By integrating the principles of justice, solidarity, and sustainability, Islamic economics can answer the failure of capitalism and socialism in overcoming social inequality, exploitation of natural resources, and financial instability. Through instruments such as zakat, waqf, the prohibition of usury, and partnership-based financing, Islamic economics creates a balance between individual and collective interests while maintaining ecological balance. Challenges in its implementation, such as resistance from the capitalist system, lack of global understanding, and the need for harmonization with modern market mechanisms, require collaborative approaches, technological innovation, and commitment across countries. If implemented consistently, Islamic economics can revolutionize the world's economic structure, create equitable prosperity, and strengthen human relationships with the environment, building the foundation for a more harmonious and sustainable world order.

Benefiting from Social Groups: Managerial Network Communities and Corporate Collaborative Innovation

Abstract This study examines the influence of managerial network communities (MNCs) on corporate collaborative innovation. Based on the sample of Chinese A-share listed firms, we demonstrate that embedding in dense MNCs benefits corporate collaborative innovation. This is associated with the information and knowledge exchange and trust establishment. Moreover, firms with managers occupying a position more at the core of MNCs benefit more than firms with peripheral members. In regions with high intellectual property rights protection, firms are more inclined to engage in collaborative innovation through MNCs. Mechanism tests show that cross-regional collaborative innovations benefit more from MNCs, and MNCs’ positive effect on collaborative innovation is more outspoken in regions characterized by low social trust. Our findings enrich the understanding of the managers’ social network from the meso-level network community perspective and provide managerial guidelines for more fully releasing MNCs’ positive role in facilitating corporate collaborative innovation.

Integrating Industry 4.0 and circular economy in the UAE construction sector: a policy-aligned framework

PurposeThis study addresses the integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies with circular economy (CE) principles in the UAE construction sector, aligning with the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031 (UAECEP). It explores how digital tools can facilitate sustainable construction practices by enhancing resource efficiency, reducing waste and supporting circularity across the building life cycle.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify frameworks that integrate I4.0 technologies with CE principles. Based on the review, a conceptual framework was developed and refined to meet the UAE construction sector’s specific needs, focusing on applying digital tools at different stages of construction.FindingsIntegrating I4.0 tools, including building information modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), can enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste and promote sustainability in the UAE’s construction sector. The framework aligns digital transformation efforts with the UAECEP, indicating these technologies’ applicability in design, construction, operation and end-of-life stages. Key challenges include high initial costs, technical limitations and the need for regulatory support.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel framework tailored to the UAE construction sector, bridging the gap between policy objectives and practical implementation. It provides strategies to overcome local challenges through stakeholder collaboration and digital innovation, contributing to the UAE’s sustainability goals.

Study on the Optimization of Logistics Procurement Mode in the Background of Supply Chain Internet of Things

In the traditional logistics procurement model, there are problems such as incomplete information acquisition and information lag. The information between suppliers and purchasers cannot be exchanged in a timely manner, which leads to certain risks and increased costs when both parties formulate strategies. The application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in supply chain management, through real-time data collection, intelligent processing, and optimized decision-making, significantly enhances the transparency, efficiency, and response speed of the supply chain. It is conducive to promoting internal management innovation and supplier collaborative innovation, reducing the cost of information acquisition and communication with suppliers during the procurement process, and thereby promoting the improvement of total factor productivity. This paper analyzes the problems existing in the logistics procurement model in the traditional environment, compares and analyzes the role and innovation of the procurement model under the background of supply chain IoT, and finally compares and demonstrates the logistics service levels of two companies before and after the optimization of the procurement model under the background of supply chain IoT. The optimization of the procurement model under the background of supply chain IoT can effectively improve the service quality of enterprises, enhance the overall management level, assist enterprises in sharing risks, effectively reduce the inventory costs of enterprises, and effectively strengthen the integration effect of logistics information. Therefore, the research on the optimization of the procurement model under the background of supply chain IoT is very necessary.

The Role of Circular Economy in Green Entrepreneurship: Sustainable Business Models

The circular economy has emerged as a transformative framework for achieving sustainability in entrepreneurship by minimizing waste, optimizing resource use, and promoting regenerative business practices. Unlike the traditional linear economy that follows a "take, make, dispose" model, the circular economy encourages businesses to adopt reduce, reuse, recycle, and regenerate principles. This study explores the role of circular economy practices in green entrepreneurship, focusing on how sustainable business models integrate environmental responsibility with economic viability. Using a qualitative research approach, this study examines case studies of green entrepreneurs who have successfully implemented circular business models across various industries, including renewable energy, eco-friendly manufacturing, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. The findings indicate that businesses adopting circular economy principles experience benefits such as cost savings, enhanced brand reputation, regulatory compliance, and long-term profitability. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of scalability, consumer awareness, and access to financing. The study underscores the importance of policy support, technological innovation, and industry collaboration in accelerating the transition toward circular entrepreneurship. By integrating circular economy strategies into their business operations, green entrepreneurs can drive sustainable economic growth, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to global climate resilience. The findings provide valuable insights for business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates on fostering a thriving circular economy ecosystem.

CHALLENGES IN REGISTERING SMELL MARKS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to explore the challenges and barriers associated with the registration of smell marks, a category of non-traditional trademarks. Specifically, it aims to examine the technical, legal, and commercial issues surrounding the registration process, as well as to analyze the current legal frameworks governing smell marks across various jurisdictions. Method: This research employs a qualitative approach, reviewing relevant literature, international legal frameworks such as TRIPS and WIPO, and analyzing major judicial decisions regarding the registration of smell marks. The study also compares different national policies and judicial interpretations to understand the variations in the registration process and challenges faced by businesses. Results: The findings indicate that the primary challenges in registering smell marks stem from the lack of standardized testing methods for scent identification, the subjectivity of scent perception, and the absence of universally accepted graphical representations. Additionally, while international agreements have made strides toward unification, significant disparities in national laws persist. The study also highlights the commercial value of smell marks in industries such as perfumes and food, noting that these challenges hinder their full potential. The research proposes improvements in technological innovation, research, and international collaboration to standardize the registration process and enhance the protection of smell marks in global markets.