Strengthening Co-creation Competencies and Engaging Innovation Ecosystem Partners Through Ecosystem Games and Innovation Camps

Abstract: Since 2014, the EU has recommended Smart Specialisation (RIS3) as a strategic approach to regional development. This place-based approach emphasizes the identification of strategic sectors based on a region's unique strengths and potential, fostering innovation and economic growth. By creating enabling conditions, accelerating research and development, and supporting an entrepreneurial discovery process (EDP) with wide stakeholder involvement, RIS3 aims to enhance the prosperity of European regions. This outward-looking approach embraces open innovation ecosystems supported by effective monitoring mechanisms, enabling regions to actively participate in global innovation networks and harness the opportunities of a knowledge-based economy. In 2023, under the New European Innovation Agenda, the Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) emerged as a flagship initiative to harness the potential of innovation across the EU regions. With a goal of identifying up to 100 RIVs committed to enhancing their research and innovation practices, investment, and policies, the initiative aims to promote a thriving European innovation ecosystem. These RIVs are expected to collaborate on inter-regional innovation projects linked to key EU priorities, fostering knowledge exchange and joint initiatives across borders.This paper presents the findings of two participatory case studies that specifically aimed to enhance stakeholder participation and commitment to working together in innovation ecosystems. Innovation ecosystems, sustainable use of natural resources including forestry are key drivers of economic growth, sustainable development, and prosperity in the Häme Region and in Finland. The first project, "Häme Goes into Ecosystems", explored the effectiveness of participatory innovation ecosystem game sessions in building understanding among participants. These sessions covered a range of topics, including shared vision, stakeholder identification based on the quadruple helix principle (government, academia, business, and civil society), different development needs and rhythms of participants, new roles and responsibilities, and new participatory ways of working and processes required in open innovation ecosystems. Four game sessions were organized with regional development specialists, interested participants, and students, providing an opportunity for hands-on experience and feedback. The second participatory approach, a forest innovation camp, brought together a group of EU decision makers, top executives, and regional and municipal managers from across Europe to Finland. This unique forum facilitated top-level dialogue focused on current forest issues, providing a platform for exchange of knowledge and perspectives. The forest innovation camp strengthened the participants' understanding of the state of forests, carbon sinks, the bioeconomy, and the diverse uses of forests. The camp also highlighted the importance of monitoring the state of forests, the restoration of nature, and the innovative use of wood. By combining research, practical activities, experiences in the forests, and workshop sessions, the camp aimed to foster a shared vision for sustainable forestry in a European context.In conclusion, these case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of participatory approaches in enhancing stakeholder engagement and collaboration in innovation ecosystems. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from different sectors and fostering open dialogue, these approaches can foster a shared vision for the innovation ecosystem and promote the development of sustainable and resilient economies.

Keywords: Smart Specialisation, Innovation Ecosystem, Regional Development, Participatory Development, Sustainability, Bioeconomy, Circular Economy

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004927

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