Value Co‑Creation for Innovation – Dr Breda Kenny, MTU

This interactive workshop introduces postgraduate research students to the concept of value co‑creation and its role in supporting research and innovation. The session explores how collaborative engagement with stakeholders, users, communities, and industry partners can generate new ideas, strengthen innovation processes, and enhance the relevance and application of research and practice. Participants will explore how value is defined and captured, and how co‑creation approaches can support creativity, problem‑solving, entrepreneurship, product and service development, and social innovation across diverse contexts.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain the concept of value, and value co‑creation in research
• Identify stakeholders relevant to their research projects
• Recognise how stakeholder engagement can support innovation and problem‑solving
• Apply simple co‑creation tools and approaches within their own research context
• Reflect on opportunities and challenges associated with collaborative research

Content

1. Introduction to Value Co‑Creation and Innovation

• What is value co‑creation?
• Innovation ecosystems and collaborative value creation
• Why co‑creation matters in research, industry, and society

2. Stakeholder Engagement for Innovation

• Identifying stakeholders, users, and innovation partners
• Understanding user needs and collaborative problem‑solving
• Co‑creation as a driver of innovation and value generation

3. Interactive Activities: Stakeholder Mapping and Business Model Canvas

Participants will complete practical exercises linked to their own research or innovation idea, including:

• Stakeholder mapping to identify users, collaborators, and value networks
• Introduction to the Business Model Canvas as a tool for exploring value propositions, customer segments, partnerships, and innovation opportunities (link will be emailed to each student prior to the workshop)
• Discussion of how Business Model Canvas can support research translation, entrepreneurship, and innovation planning

4. Reflection and Action Planning

• Challenges and ethical considerations
• Embedding co‑creation into innovation practice
• Developing next steps for collaboration and innovation

Participants will leave with practical ideas and tools, including stakeholder mapping and the Business Model Canvas, to strengthen collaborative innovation and value creation within their own research or professional practice.