On 29 November 2023, city2science organized, together with UniverCity Bochum and WorldFactory Bochum, and moderated the Open Innovation Workshop in Bochum. The event was organized within the Erasmus+ funded Project SciCultureD. As we continue the journey of fostering innovation and collaboration, we’re thrilled to share highlights from this workshop

Open Innovation: A Collaborative Approach

In the spirit of Open Innovation, the workshop delved into a collaborative approach to research and development. Departing from traditional closed models, Open Innovation integrates external ideas, expertise, and resources into the innovation process, actively involving stakeholders such as researchers, industry experts, customers, and civil society.

Navigating Challenges: A Deeper Dive

Despite its benefits, Open Innovation faces challenges hindering widespread adoption. Intellectual property concerns, organizational culture resistance, lack of trust among collaborators, cultural and institutional barriers, and resource constraints were among the hurdles explored during the workshop.

SciCultureD Project: Bridging Science, Social Enterprise, and Arts

Integral to the workshop was its connection to the SciCultureD project, addressing “wicked problems” through the fusion of social enterprise, scientific research, and the arts. Applying design thinking and creative pedagogies, SciCultureD explores challenges and delivers socially inclusive solutions. Building on the success of the SciCultureD Course, the workshop provided an immersive experience for participants.

Workshop Recap: Unlocking Innovation Together

Yesterday’s workshop brought together stakeholders from the city of Bochum with economic representatives and early career researchers, especially from the humanities and social sciences, who are at the beginning of their doctoral studies. The format allowed participants to actively explore Open Innovation challenges and opportunities. The workshop culminated in defining a specific challenge and developing a prototype using LEGO Serious Play and other materials.
Through engaging discussions and collaborative exercises, participants gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of Open Innovation. Together, we identified effective strategies and best practices to overcome challenges, driving positive change in our communities and organizations.

Interested in getting to know more about this training or other training offers? Please feel free to contact us at info@city2science.de