A generative design of collaborative innovation space

Abstract

A workplace for collaboration can be a powerful tool for fostering collaborative innovation in an organization. However, many organizations have failed in realizing the benefits of collaborative innovation workplaces. Applying a sociomaterial lens to an empirical investigation of the creation and genesis of workplaces for collaborative innovation in six organizations, we expand the focus beyond identifying workplace's material and social elements to the emergence of a collaborative innovation space as an effective workplace for collaboration. We develop a dynamic generative design model for collaborative innovation spaces. This model draws the attention to practices involved in the creation of such space instead of spatial characteristics only. It presents three dimensions for creating collaborative innovation spaces: the collaborative workplace consisting of collaborative spatial layout, work practices, and organizational structures. All are created and manifested by means of a collaborative–participatory design approach and the practice of generative reflection instead of conventional evaluation measures. Ultimately, a mindset shift is set in motion, generating a sustainable emergence of a collaborative innovation space. We conclude that a collaborative innovation space as an in‐between space cannot be deliberately designed but rather evolves over time. Using our generative design model, organizations and stakeholder can actively become part of this emergence process.

Computer-aided Numerical Simulation Analysis of Collaborative Innovation within Government-Industry-University-Institute Models Using Evolutionary Game Theory

“…The impact of digital technologies on collaborative innovation processes is transformative, leading to the proposal of innovative governance structures for collaboration in GIUI through new concepts, models, and mechanisms [29]. The establishment of effective collaboration frameworks requires the provision of adaptable spaces that cater to participants' diverse needs and practices [30].…”

Places and spaces of collaborative R&D and innovation: navigating the role of physical and virtual contexts

“…R&D Management 54, 2, 2024 205 Klooker and Hölzle (2023), the sole representative of Quadrant 1 (physical group), investigate the creation and genesis of effective workplaces for collaboration, drawing attention to the practices involved in their design. The authors studied six diverse collaborative innovation spaces, employing a longitudinal approach for three cases and a retrospective approach for the other three.…”

“…This finding holds regardless of whether the collaborative innovation takes place at a group level (Quadrant 1) or community level (Quadrant 4). Such resources and structures relate to the physical space in itself, as well as the available tools, functions, and also social interaction‐enabling aspects that occupy physical innovation (Klooker and Hölzle, 2023). In physical innovation spaces, participants need to learn to cope with constraints related to the shared use of limited physical resources and structures.…”

“…The special issue articles span a spectrum of themes, from the theoretical underpinnings of collaborative spaces to the effects of virtual and physical spaces on collaborative innovation. More specifically, they are examining cross-sector partnerships (Dzhengiz and Patala, 2023), collaborative innovation workplaces (Klooker and Hölzle, 2023), living labs (Della Santa et al, 2022), makerspaces (Zakoth et al, 2023), community-based collaborative dynamics (Capdevila and Mérindol, 2022), and hubs as spaces as part of the local innovation ecosystems (Haukipuro et al, 2023). Several articles specifically examine virtual collaboration spaces as a new and underresearched formation.…”