Innovation in the application of the World Café method in the higher education context: Science Hub case study

This article explores an innovative application of the World Café (WC) method in the Science Hub project at the University of Łódź. The WC method was employed to facilitate understanding among diverse stakeholders, generate ideas, and develop solutions. This case study examines whether the application of the WC method in the Science Hub initiative meets the criteria for innovation. The results show that it can be considered innovative based on a critical analysis using the Baregheh model. The discussion section highlights that the WC method has the potential to provide an innovation-driving tool in higher education, particularly as a peer-based, collaborative approach for addressing real-life challenges with active participation from both internal and external stakeholders. The authors offer practical recommendations for extending its application across education, research, societal engagement, and university management, thereby enriching the methodological repertoire for fostering organisational innovation, enhancing communication and supporting bottom-up creativity within academia.