In its first 18 months, CO-VALUE has moved from concept to implementation, laying a solid foundation for testing co-valorisation in real-life settings. The project developed its methodological basis through the Self-Assessment Tool, the Co-valorisation Canvas, and Field Guides, which help stakeholders evaluate their readiness to involve citizens and adapt best practices to their local context.
Needs assessments and mobilisation activities engaged around 60 actors from academia, industry, public administration, and civil society in both pilot regions. This process identified local priorities, built trust, and prepared the ground for experimentation. A modular training programme was then delivered to around 60 participants, equipping them with practical skills in stakeholder mapping, co-design, co-creation, and participatory methods.
The experimentation phase has now begun. In Alicante, seven pilots were selected, covering circular economy and emerging technologies, while in Emilia-Romagna, two ERDF-funded research projects were chosen. Co-design sessions have defined challenges, citizen groups, and implementation steps, with focus groups already completed in Alicante and workshops planned for autumn 2025. Monitoring and support mechanisms have been introduced to ensure flexibility and responsiveness.
At the same time, the project has begun producing policy-relevant outputs. The first policy brief, published in June 2025, offers recommendations for fostering citizen engagement in R&I ecosystems and marks the first step toward a Policy Playbook and further briefs in RP2.
Together, these results show that CO-VALUE has moved decisively from design to delivery. It has created practical tools, empowered stakeholders, launched pilots, and begun extracting policy lessons, positioning the project well to demonstrate how co-valorisation can create value for society and the economy.
