The social and economic impact of co-creation: sub-Saharan African enterprises

Abstract

Co-creation is a collaborative innovation process that involves stakeholders in product or service development, ensuring offerings align with customer needs. It can create adaptable, responsive, and market-relevant solutions. However, its implementation is constrained by factors like the innovation ecosystem, country infrastructure, and resources, with developed countries supporting it through regulations and initiatives. This thesis explores the social and economic impacts of co-creation in sub-Saharan African businesses. It uses World Bank Enterprise and Innovation Surveys to measure cocreation intensity and its effect on financial and social performance. The results show that co-creation fosters democratization by fostering inclusive environments where diverse voices can shape outcomes. Co-creation enables more democratic and inclusive structures, enhancing collaboration and solutions that better represent the needs and aspirations of all involved.