Design Thinking method - an effective communication tool in the RIS3 monitoring
The effectiveness of the monitoring activities of regional innovation strategies largely depends on the access to information and the quality of this information. Information is provided, among others, by end users, such as: entrepreneurs, research and development entities, universities, business support organisations and local governments operating within regional innovation ecosystems.
Bearing in mind these conditions, the Lublin Foundation for Lubelskie Development organised three workshops, during which it tested the use of the Design Thinking method as a tool for obtaining information from end users useful in the process of monitoring RIS3 in the Lubelskie Voivodeship. During the workshops, which took place on September 2-4, 2020, participants were looking for new solutions, methods and ways of obtaining information from end users, and also consulted the concept of the functionality of the mobile phone application "RIS closer to us". The workshop was attended by 12 regional experts, including representatives of the Marshal's Office of the Lubelskie Voivodeship - the owner of RIS3, scientific and research entities, enterprises, business support organisations and local governments.
Experts have identified, among others, weaknesses of the current RIS3 monitoring process, they proposed the most important qualitative indicators useful in the RIS3 monitoring process that are realistically possible to obtain. They also indicated the directions of modification of solutions, methods and ways of obtaining information from RIS3 stakeholders. As a result, a report containing input data for the RIS3 monitoring system was developed. The report was submitted to the Marshal's Office of the Lubelskie Voivodeship.
Bearing in mind the feedback obtained, it should be considered that workshops using the Design Thinking method are an effective form of dialogue with RIS3 stakeholders, and the feedback from participants can be used in the process of improving RIS3 monitoring in the regions.
Compiled by: Małgorzata Gałczyńska, EmpInno Monitor S3 project coordinator/ specialist RIS3, the Foundation for Lubelskie Development, March 2021
