How Experts Become Co-Creators
For the second time, we have implemented our “Shaping Knowledge Together” certification program in collaboration with our partner City2Science. The program is aimed at individuals from the fields of science, public administration, and key intersections in Bochum who wish to make their work more collaborative and practice-oriented in the future.
From approximately 60 applications, 50 participants were selected to take part in five sequential workshops, during which they engaged intensively with creative methods and tools for innovative collaboration.
Working in interdisciplinary and cross-sector teams, they applied these skills to challenges of their own choosing and collaboratively developed new approaches to addressing social challenges in Bochum.
Following the program’s successful conclusion in February , five participants look back: They share their experiences from the program and what they continue to apply in their daily work.
Jasmin Gerau
(Advisor to the President, Equal Opportunity Officer) The Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences)
What motivated you to participate in the certificate program?
For me, two things were equally motivating:
First, I found the announced topics — especially the methods for collaborative work—exciting,
as they promised to be a valuable addition to my professional toolkit. Second, I saw the idea of networking — particularly over an extended period and with a diverse group of participants from Bochum— as a special benefit of the program.
Which module or moment stands out most in your memory—and why?
I really enjoyed the creativity exercises. Regardless of our usual tasks in our respective work contexts, we were able to truly give free rein to our creativity here. That was also the—admittedly somewhat unconventional — birth of the project we later worked on during our sessions. This also served to reinvigorate the working group and boost everyone’s motivation to continue working together on a topic that is by no means easy.
What specific aspects of the program are you applying to your work?
I’ll definitely be taking this new network with me into my current work. I’ve already found that these contacts are incredibly valuable, especially when you’re active in Bochum! The theoretical and methodological insights were also really strong, and I’m currently in the process of developing a plan to put them into practice.
Who would you particularly recommend this program to?
I think this program is very valuable for people who work across different organizations. In my opinion, another key requirement is a willingness to learn about other people and organizations and to acknowledge their perspectives—I consider this very important! The differences between universities, government agencies, and the private sector were not as significant as the individual openness and curiosity of the participants.
Rasmus Nordholt-Frieling
(Director of Cultural Affairs, City of Bochum)
What motivated you to participate in the certificate program?
Creativity always emerges when different perspectives on a topic come together. That is why I find collaboration between different organizations to develop and implement innovative ideas both inspiring and essential.
Which module or moment stands out most in your memory—and why?
In addition to the interesting and helpful content, networking was a major focus for me. I found it very enriching to meet people from such diverse fields, discover common ground, and engage in discussions about our city.
What specific aspects of the program are you applying to your work?
The program has fostered mutual understanding of different work rhythms and approaches. This understanding is essential for effective collaboration and for developing shared perspectives.
Who would you particularly recommend this program to?
I can recommend this program to anyone who enjoys thinking outside the box—and to anyone who doesn’t realize they’re thinking inside the box. 😉
Gözdem Dittel
(Materials Innovation Cluster / Bochum Economic Development)
What motivated you to participate in the certificate program?
I was motivated to shape the development of the new “Materials” innovation cluster in Bochum with an even stronger focus on fostering collaboration among research, industry, and government.
Which module or moment stands out most in your memory—and why?
What made the biggest impression on me was the workshop on methods for collaborative projects—practical tools rather than theory.
What specific aspects of the program are you applying to your work?
Tools for systemic collaboration within the innovation ecosystem, new perspectives on knowledge transfer in technology-driven fields, and valuable insights into social- and application-driven approaches and working methods at the intersections of research, administration, and industry.
Who would you particularly recommend this program to?
For people who don’t just talk about innovation, but want to put it into practice at the intersection of research, urban life, and business—especially in dynamic regions undergoing transformation, such as Bochum.
Elisa Zander
(Research Assistant, Protestant University of Applied Sciences Bochum)
What motivated you to participate in the certificate program?
By participating in the certificate program, I specifically wanted to meet new people from Bochum and expand my network. My goal was to discover new perspectives and ways of working, since we often get stuck in familiar patterns of thinking within our own work environments. The program gave me the opportunity to gain fresh inspiration and create synergies.
Which module or moment stands out most in your memory—and why?
I especially remember the closing event. The impressive facilities at G DATA and the presentations of the individual group results were extremely inspiring. There was a palpable atmosphere of joy and optimism. It was clear to see how all the participants had embraced the challenge of thinking outside the box and getting creative.
What specific aspects of the program are you applying to your work?
What I take away from the program is the realization that I shouldn’t view my own way of thinking and working as universally applicable. Instead, I want to make a conscious effort to acknowledge other ways of working and patterns of thought and approach them with curiosity.
Who would you particularly recommend this program to?
I would especially recommend this program to people who have had little exposure to other fields so far and who are actively interested in exploring new perspectives and trying new things.
Beate Tiemann
(Advisor to the President for Political Communication and Networks / Ruhr University Bochum)
What motivated you to participate in the certificate program?
Such a program not only offers the opportunity to get to know new colleagues, but also to gain a different perspective on issues that are important to the city of Bochum as a hub for research and innovation. In addition, it provides the opportunity to learn about and acquire various methods and tools for collaborative work.
Which module or moment stands out most in your memory—and why?
I have particularly fond memories of Module 3 of the methods workshop because that’s where we achieved a “breakthrough” in our project using the “3×5” brainstorming method. Afterward, we all had an idea in mind that we could further develop and work on.
What specific aspects of the program are you applying to your work?
During the certificate program, I met many people with fascinating fields of work and diverse perspectives. This helped me broaden my perspective on my own work. I also learned many design thinking methods and try to apply them regularly in my daily work, such as the brainstorming techniques we were introduced to.
Who would you particularly recommend this program to?
For colleagues in academia and (university) administration who are curious, eager to engage in creative processes, and, above all, enjoy meeting new people, learning about their perspectives, and exchanging ideas while working together on a project.
Interested in joining us next time? The next session of our certificate program is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2027.
