Knowledge co-creation in the 21st century
A cross-country experience-based policy report
The importance of knowledge co-creation – the joint production of innovation between
industry, research and possibly other stakeholders, such as civil society – has been
increasingly acknowledged. This paper builds on 13 cross-country case studies and
co-creation experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic to characterise the diversity
of knowledge co-creation initiatives and identify lessons for policy. The paper identifies
a strong rationale for policy to support knowledge co-creation because the benefits
of successful co-creation initiatives outweigh the initial co-ordination costs. Moreover,
knowledge co-creation initiatives can contribute to democratising innovation. Successful
initiatives engage all stakeholders and have effective governance and management structures.
They also have clearly defined ownership and use rights of the collaborations’ outcomes
and benefit from favourable conditions to operate, including temporary staff mobility
and institutional set-ups that facilitate collaboration and effective communication
among participants.
Published on June 16, 2021
In series:OECD Science, Technology and Industry Policy Papersview more titles