Co-creation In the Public Sector: An Exploration of How Stakeholders Are Part of Co-creating the District of Musicon

Abstract

Purpose: This thesis explores how stakeholders are part of co-creating the district of Musicon, and on the basis hereof, which influential factors from this case should be considered when initiating co-creation in other public sector urban development projects. Methodology: With a point of departure in the scientific theoretical paradigms of hermeneutics and social constructivism, a combination of a deductive and inductive approach is utilised in the case study strategy of this thesis. The primary data consists of 14 semi-structured qualitative interviews with various stakeholders of the Musicon project. The secondary data consists of publicly available documents and internal documents, all issued by the case organisation. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework is divided into three overall sections, each addressing a main theoretical area of the thesis, namely stakeholder engagement, co-creation and organisational prerequisites for fostering and leading co-creation. The theoretical framework is ultimately combined in a model, providing the thesis with a theoretical foundation for the analysis. Findings: Through achieving an early and high level of stakecreator engagement and upholding an environment for co-creation to flourish, supported by the convener, the facilitator and the catalyst, stakeholders are part of co-creating Musicon. Moreover, six enablers on co-creation were found in the case of Musicon. The enablers in the case of Musicon can be applied for analytical generalisation and applied to other public sector urban development projects if the onlooker concludes that it is justifiable. Limitations and Further Research: The empirical data of the thesis stems from the point of view of the case organisation, and it is thus proposed to conduct further research investigating the cocreation process from the point of view of the stakeholders. In addition, as this thesis proposes to expand the stakeholder terminology by introducing the concept of a stakecreator, further research on how to define and utilise the concept is recommended