Collective Innovation
Collective innovation refers to the introduction of new products, processes, organizational forms and ways of working through active participation by as many stakeholders as possible within a community (community of practice) with the aim of achieving a particular improvement for the community and where all proceeds benefit that community.
This prototype for collective innovation was developed as part of the CLICKNL project Collective innovation for the biobased transition, led by Rikst Westra, Sebastian Olma (both CARADT, Avans University of Applied Sciences) and Kaj Morel (BWNO, Avans University of Applied Sciences).
Innovation & Improvement
Questions
• Who is proposing the innovation and for what purpose?
• For whom is the renewal an improvement in what respect?
• Is the innovation supported by society?
Check
The proposed innovation serves the interest of the community involved (the collective) and is (thus) aimed at solving a relevant social issue (the social mission).
Tip
The success of the intended innovation is more likely if it is legally recognized (for example, by having access to the innovation recognized as a right).
What is the intended innovation?
Community & Relations
Questions
• Who is part of the community surrounding this innovation: who participates and who does not?
• Is the willingness and ability to work "open source" (everything belongs to everyone and therefore no one) present?
• Does the community have all the necessary intellectual, cultural and legal knowledge and experience, and can they use it effectively?
Check
It is transparant to everyone which parties are part of the community (the collective) and that the (proceeds of the) intended innovation belong to everyone and cannot be claimed by one party.
Tip
The likelihood of success of the intended innovation is greater if symbiotic (everyone benefits) rather than parasitic (one benefits at the expense of another) relationships exist among community participants.
Participation & Decisionmaking
Questions
• Who decides whether an innovation takes place or not?
• Who decides who participates and who does not?
• How is decision-making arranged?
• Can those affected by the innovations participate in shaping and adapting the innovations?
Check
Those potentially affected by the innovation participate in the innovation process. As far as practically possible, there is open participation.
Tip
If there is community self-management, it must be well regulated, implemented and secured. This includes dealing with disputes. Recognition by the authorities is a plus!
Investments & Proceeds
Questions
• What is meant by investment and proceeds and is there consensus on this?
• What underlying financing model is used?
• What agreements are made about investments by the community (who invests what?) and how are these agreements secured?
Check
The proceeds of the intended innovation actually benefit the community (the collective).
Tip
The success of the intended innovation is more likely if budgeting is done in reverse (from what is needed instead of what is available).
