Managing the Co-Creation Process

What is it about?

This study therefore aims to understand how a researcher should set up and manage a co-creation project as part of a collaboration with firms to foster innovation. What are the practices that foster the co-creation process, particularly in the form of interactions among participants on a collaboration platform? To answer this question, we conducted experimentation on the management of a co-creation process by researchers with 6 Canadian professional pastry chefs. The food service industry, i.e. establishments that prepare food and beverages for customers is especially conducive to collaboration and co-creation due to the open sharing practice associated with the culinary sector of modernistic cuisine. However, the scientific knowledge required to generate innovations in this industry is not easily accessible and, when it is, firms lack the necessary resources. Experimentation with such a project has made it possible to build a model for managing the co-creation process that incorporates the use of a collaboration platform as part of the project from the perspective of researchers who wish to propose solutions that will have an impact in the industry.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This study contributes to the literature on co-creation by addressing the phenomenon in a context where academia seeks to collaborate with industry to produce research results that meet market needs. It proposes a co-creation management model using a collaboration platform that illustrates the process from ideation to value creation to foster creativity and interaction among participants. Based on the results and challenges raised during an experimental co-creation activity with researchers and pastry chefs, this study identifies the practices that facilitate collaboration and interaction when co-creating an innovation via a collaboration platform. The suggested practices foster the success and efficiency of co-creation projects between university and industry and optimize outcomes for participants.

Perspectives