Co-Creation for Social Innovation in the Ecosystem Context: The Role of Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract

This study examined the role of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in promoting, creating, and sustaining social innovation. Recently, HEIs have extended their contribution beyond the traditional function of teaching and research to perform in socio-economic problem-solving. Considering the increasing trends of higher education involvement in social innovation practices, this study tries to examine the tools such as learning processes and systemic thinking approach that could be helpful to align the function and responsibilities of HEIs towards social innovation. The objective is to develop a theoretical understanding of the “co-creation for social innovation” concept and to understand the functions and activities of HEIs that can contribute to this process. To promote co-creation for social innovation, HEIs should actively encourage collaborative learning tools that focus on open platforms for collective action and systemic change that help them to engage with society and strengthen their collaboration with social actors. Different activities such as mutual learning and knowledge diffusion using a transdisciplinary approach, technology-based learning and collaboration, and relational transformation are key enablers that can promote social innovation.

Ecosystems of Co-Creation

“…For this understanding, the study of co-creation processes was of great value in identifying more precisely how co-creation is set up within a process of social innovation and how the elements of collaboration and cooperation work. In this sense, already De Vasconcelos Gomes et al, (2018) recognized the value of co-creation within ecosystems of innovation, while other authors ( Kumari et al, 2019 ; Jütting, 2020 ; Pel et al, 2020 ) recognized the relevance of agreements and the involvement of a variety of actors in co-creation practices.…”

“…An overall perspective of co-creation shows that it pursues a nonlinear logic, which embodies a multi-dynamic and multi-contextual process. It is often described as a bottom-up approach ( Kumari et al, 2019 ) that operates on different levels whereby citizens and other stakeholders are the key actors. Stakeholders with different backgrounds in culture, belief, and knowledge take different roles and integrate them into a co-creation process.…”

“…A review of the literature shows that the concept of the ecosystem provides a framework for understanding and studying the interaction of various actors, institutions, and contexts in society ( Kumari et al, 2019 ). One of the main research questions in the literature is as follows: What are the key dimensions and what are the barriers and drivers of an ecosystem ( Bason, 2010 , 25)?…”

“…Social innovation ecosystems are complex systems of interaction between various stakeholders. Co-creation practices in social innovation ecosystems refer to the agreement between multiple stakeholders ( Kumari et al, 2019 ; Jütting, 2020 ; Pel et al, 2020 ) to achieve a common goal. This means that within an ecosystem, there is more capacity generation than as an individual; this is because actors enhance their own capacities by acting together ( Jütting, 2020 ).…”

Framework Integrativo de Inovação Social Colaborativa a Partir do Projeto Rondon

“…Essa produção tem alinhamento direto com as provocações deste artigo que desafia a universidade a repensar a extensão do seu papel diante de uma terceira missão, não limitando-se àquelas tradicionais de ensino e pesquisa. Kumari et al (2020) também defendem um crescente envolvimento de instituições de ensino superior em práticas de inovação social.…”