The “Space” for Project Design and Innovation Creation Leveraging the Characteristics of Humanities and Social Sciences: Insights from practice in SSI, the university of Osaka

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of "space" in the context of co-creation and innovation within the humanities and social sciences. It begins with an overview of the history of promoting these disciplines. Following this, the paper explores the concept of "space" using the "Academic Knowledge Co-Creation Project," commissioned by MEXT. The focus is not on the content of individual academic debates but rather on the practical organization of functional and structural issues related to "space" in co-creation and innovation. The paper considers the relationship between "space-making" and "team building," examining the phases of "space" and its related functions, both before and after. It also reflects on the current emphasis on providing "space" without sufficient focus on the tacit knowledge and design philosophy essential for successful project management. Additionally, it suggests establishing producer roles and support functions external to researchers to create a more supportive environment for co-creation and innovation.