The added value of equitable multistakeholder co-creation in higher education

Co-creation in higher education (HE) involving students, teachers, and working field professionals can lead to innovative solutions for complex issues. In seven cases, equitable multistakeholder co-creation has been examined. Participants (N=52) completed a survey with open-ended questions and participated in interviews. We found that equitable co-creation led to a strong feeling of involvement, a better understanding of other perspectives, ideas for solutions, and the professionalization of all stakeholders. Students felt heard, experienced growing self-confidence, gained deeper insights into their future professional field, and expanded their professional network. Teachers gained inspiration to enrich and rewrite their curricula content and lesson activities. Working field professionals found innovative ideas for their practice, discovered new possibilities to find partners with whom sustainable development plans could be set out, and experienced feelings of satisfaction by contributing to the development of students. Supporting and hindering factors for equitable co-creation and implications for HE are discussed.