Modelling Co-creation Ecosystem for Public Open Spaces

Abstract

Co-creation can be defined as the involvement of citizens in the initiation and/or the design process of public services in order to (co)create beneficial outcomes and value for society. Mediated public open spaces are ideal environments for co-creation to emerge due to the involvement of the community and ICT in the knowledge creation. The aims of the research presented in the chapter are two-fold: to conduct a mapping activity in order to collect the insights on civic technologies promoting the creation of open public spaces through the use of ICT and to define the critical dimensions in designing cocreative ecosystems. The mapping strategy was conducted by evaluating the civic technologies in Lithuania and Bulgaria. The insights from the empirical exercise allow to draw managerial and organizational recommendations for strengthening the collective efforts of citizens, IT developers, public and governmental institutions in creating open, inclusive and reflective open public spaces.

Designing Community Technology Initiatives: A Literature Review

“…Innovations, changes, and new technologies do not arise in a vacuum, they are surrounded by groups of people and connected stakeholders in order to create value. The creation of value depends largely on the ability of these actors to operate within such networks [78] and create social capital [54]. Connecting diferent stakeholders and groups to the initiative can ofer a host of diferent benefts.…”

“…For example, it can support promotion [66], help open doors for new market growth [18], support the practice of public policy and design [57], and help create better tested solutions [26]. When actors grant each other proper access to their resources, it can be mutually benefcial without one of the actors losing autonomy [78]. For example, Prost et al [66] describe how a mutually benefcial relationship was developed when ingredients from a local community food hub project were used in existing cooking classes; the food hub gained visibility and promotion, while the classes had easy access to fresh ingredients.…”

“…Literature suggests that the initiative should involve all relevant actors and groups to facilitate a community development process [51]. As Skarzauskiene et al [78] describe: "Initiatives based on collaboration can only fourish through networks by inviting residents, communities, and institutions in the act of value generation [p.274]". However, the more diferent parties are involved, the more agendas, needs, and goals need to be satisfed or at least considered.…”

“…Webb et al [85] for example exemplify the role of a network weaver, someone who organizes community involvement and brings actors together. Skarzauskiene et al [78] also point to this role, describing the need for someone to connect actors and translate complexity for easier collaboration. This could be the designer or researcher, like Fu and He [26] describe, but it can also be someone else.…”

Mapping Digital Co-Creation for Urban Communities and Public Places

“…Space framework [10]. Theoretical and empirical argumentation of the framework is extensively described in the previous works of the C 3 PLACES research group [11,12]. The physical space refers to the physical and functional conditions that make a place attractive by generating social integration and pleasure to involved communities.…”