Exploration of Co-Creation Methods for Developing Sustainable Mobility Action Plans in Higher Education and Research Institutions H/F

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Research work

Internship Summary

This internship is part of the energy-saving program Mon trajet vert, which aims to promote sustainable and equitable mobility in higher education and research institutions (HERI). The goal is to evaluate and recommend the most effective co-creation methods (hackathons, focus groups, participatory surveys, etc.) to identify concrete solutions for inclusion in a sustainable mobility plan. The intern will define criteria to classify action plans based on relevance, feasibility, and potential impact. This work follows an open innovation approach, involving key stakeholders (students, teachers, administrative staff, local authorities) in the co-creation process.

Interneship projectScientific context

HERIs play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability and social equity. University campuses, characterized by features such as mixed use, multimodality, and pedestrian-friendly environments, are major generators of mobility (Da Silva & De Sousa, 2024). The 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight the importance of access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems. Thus, there is a growing interest in promoting sustainable transport modes within HERIs.

Open innovation, which emphasizes collaboration and co-creation with both internal and external stakeholders, has significant potential to develop mobility plans tailored to the specific needs of campuses. By using participatory approaches such as hackathons, focus groups, and other collaborative tools, HERIs can identify original solutions while increasing stakeholder engagement.

However, implementing these initiatives poses several challenges. It is necessary to determine the most effective co-creation methods for specific contexts, define relevant evaluation criteria to prioritize identified actions, and ensure these initiatives effectively reduce the carbon footprint and promote social equity.

Internship topic

This internship is part of the Mon trajet vert program, which seeks to improve student mobility through environmentally friendly initiatives while reducing social inequalities. The ultimate goal is to promote sustainable mobility for students.

This internship will focus on a comparative evaluation of co-creation methods (hackathons, focus groups, participatory surveys, etc.) used to produce actionable solutions included in a sustainable mobility plan. The aim is to identify which co-creation methods yield solutions meeting specific criteria such as feasibility, environmental and social impact, and stakeholder acceptability.

The intern will design an evaluation framework for action plans, organize and compare results from different co-creation workshops, and make recommendations on the most suitable approaches for developing impactful solutions.

The key objectives are:

1. Design an evaluation framework for action plans:
2. Identify relevant criteria to assess action plans (environmental impact, technical feasibility, social acceptability, cost).

Develop a comparative analysis grid to classify and prioritize action plans.

1. Comparative analysis of results:
2. Collect and analyze action plans produced in different workshops.
3. Compare co-creation methods based on defined criteria and identify those generating the most effective and relevant action plans.

Strategic recommendations:

1. Propose recommendations for the most suitable co-creation methods to develop sustainable mobility action plans.
2. Provide suggestions to enhance co-creation workshops and maximize their impact.

Prior research on the topic in the laboratory

Two theses are currently underway on related topics. The first thesis conducts a large-scale analysis of the types of student motivations for adopting energy-efficient modes of transportation and proposes innovation workshops with lead users to develop innovative solutions for energy-efficient mobility. The second thesis examines the culture of higher education institutions in promoting and supporting organizations related to energy-efficient mobility for the student population.

Workplan :

Literature Review:

1. Identify co-creation methods commonly used in sustainability and mobility contexts (hackathons, focus groups, design thinking, etc.).
2. Study evaluation approaches for co-creation outcomes, particularly in initiatives related to open innovation and sustainability.

Definition of the Evaluation Framework:

1. Determine analysis criteria to assess action plans (environmental impact, cost, feasibility, social acceptability, etc.).
2. Develop an evaluation grid and define associated indicators.

Data Collection:

1. Gather qualitative feedback on the workshops’ execution (direct observations, post-workshop questionnaires).

Evaluation of Action Plans:

1. Apply the evaluation framework defined in Phase 1 to analyze the action plans produced.
2. Classify the plans based on relevance, feasibility, impact, etc.

Comparison of Co-Creation Methods:

1. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches used.
2. Compare results in terms of the quality of action plans, stakeholder engagement, and overall effectiveness.

Strategic Recommendations:

1. Develop recommendations on the most suitable co-creation methods for designing sustainable mobility action plans.
2. Provide insights to enhance workshops and maximize their effectiveness.

Final Report Writing:

1. Include the literature review, evaluation

Context

Laboratory presentation

CESI LINEACT (UR 7527), the Laboratory for Digital Innovation for Businesses and Apprenticeships for Territorial Competitiveness, anticipates and supports technological changes in industries and construction sectors. CESI’s historical proximity to businesses is a key aspect of its applied research activities, fostering partnerships with enterprises.

Research is structured into two interdisciplinary teams:

1. Learning and Innovating: Focused on cognitive, social, management, and innovation sciences, this team investigates the impact of technical environments on learning, creativity, and innovation processes.
2. Engineering and Digital Tools: Focused on digital and engineering sciences, it addresses the modeling, simulation, optimization, and management of complex systems and human-system interactions.