Inserting co-innovation into research translation: experiences from the VALERIE project

Although innovation is understood to encompass much more than R&D, science continues to be an essential ingredient. In particular translation, adaptation and ‘valorisation’ of research results, the responsiveness of research to users’ needs and improved access to results are all regarded as important in achieving a more sustainable European agriculture. These challenges can be addressed in a number of ways including increased collaboration, networking, transdisciplinary research and co-operation between researchers and practitioners. From a theoretical and practical perspective such approaches often involve inserting elements of co-innovation into the traditional science-driven model. Whilst a number of studies have examined the processes entailed in co-innovation, such as co-reflection, learning, reflexivity, and co-creation of knowledge, less attention has been paid to integrating co-innovation processes into the translation of existing scientific research outputs. This paper examines this topic within VALERIE, a project using an iterative stakeholder-driven methodology to create an effective retrieval facility for science-driven research outputs. Specifically the paper aims to understand the interplay between users’ identification and articulation of research needs and providers’ matching of these needs. The evolving methodology provides useful insights into the process of, and highlights some challenges associated with, integrating co-learning and research outreach. 

The paper was presented at the 12th European IFSA Symposium (Workshop:"Boosting research outputs: novel approaches for integrating research translation with interactive co-innovation") in 2016.