Knowledge Co-Creation in the Commons: Facilitating Collaboration in the Circular Economy of Plastic with “Closing the Loop” Game

Implementation of circular solutions in place of single-use plastic products requires stronger alliance between science and private sector. To investigate benefits of knowledge and strategy co-creation, this study applies common-pool resource theory in the design of a serious game. A total of 188 Polish biology and geography undergraduate students (researchers-to-be), divided into two teams, representing science and business actors with shared goals, participated in 20 facilitated game sessions. Two versions of the game were assessed – with a separation of the teams or with the personnel exchange. The results of the games were analyzed in relation to the structure of the shared social values as a differentiating co-factor. Science–business collaboration and environmental attitudes were evaluated with pre/post-questionnaires to assess the game’s potential as a science communication and educational tool. Results suggest that the successful resolution of the presented common-pool resource dilemma correlates with the introduced collaboration and the self-transcendence values. As hypothesized, we observed desirable changes in participants’ attitudes after the game sessions. Further investigation of gaming as a science communication tool and its long-term effects is recommended to facilitate implementation of the knowledge co-creation principles in practice.