Co-creative and Co-participatory Methods to Promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: A Case Study in the Open Labs of the Italian Institute of Technology

This paper explores the application of co-creative and co-participatory methods in research performing organisations (RPOs), focusing on a case study at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) during its Open Labs initiative under the EU-funded NEXUS project of the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. The main objective is to assess the effectiveness of these methods in fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment, particularly in approaching themes such as gender equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We present an in-depth analysis of the process, highlighting the challenges encountered and the strategies used to overcome them. Through this case study, we assess both the short-term benefits of using co-creative methods — such as improved collaboration, knowledge sharing and increased awareness of different perspectives — and the ongoing challenges, that persist, including navigating institutional inertia and other barriers in an approach focussed on gender equality, diversity and inclusion lens. The paper outlines how these methods have been tailored to the specific context of IIT’s Open Labs and offers insights into the adaptability of co-participatory approaches in different RPO environments when addressing pervasive and cross-cutting issues such as gender, equality, diversity and inclusion. This analysis will be of relevance to those working to implement gender-sensitive and inclusive policies and practises in research organisations. The findings suggest that co-creative and co-participatory methods offer a viable framework for addressing 'inclusion gaps' in research spaces, although their long-term effectiveness requires further research. Ultimately, this work contributes to the growing discourse on inclusion in research settings and provides both theoretical and practical insights into the benefits and limitations of participatory methods.