Du greier det ikke alene – Samskaping krever komplementære kompetanser

Abstract

The project Co-creative Welfare Innovation explored what compe- tencies employees need and developed knowledge of co-creation processes along with vulnerable service recipients. Action research was used to gather data from four cases in three Norwegian mu- nicipalities. Data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. Find- ings indicate that employees working closely with recipients of welfare services need professional support to understand co-crea- tion and develop an own sense of professional confidence. There is a need for methodical competence, local experiential competence and target group competence. The study shows that proper prepa- rations before involving the recipients is essential, along with safe, supportive, collegial unities internally in the services. Co-creation seems to function as a change process bringing forth competence, provided there’s an organizational framework for it. A dedicated co-creation team of employees with complementary competencies seems essential to succeed.