Why Participatory Approaches Matter for Innovation and Creativity

By Kristin Lobron | B Global X Design | June 2025

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation—and yet, many incubators, accelerators, and ecosystem programs still rely on top-down, one-size-fits-all models to support entrepreneurship. These approaches risk missing the very insights, creativity, and contextual knowledge that make innovation possible in the first place.

At B Global X Design, we believe the future of entrepreneurship lies in co-creation—with entrepreneurs, not just for them.

That’s why I was thrilled to attend the June 4, 2025 webinar, “Co-Creating Innovation: Advancing Incubator and Accelerator Success Through Participatory Research” (Webinar ID: 968 0337 7335), hosted by the William Davidson Institute and LEAP Africa. The session explored how participatory methods can transform innovation support programs by engaging entrepreneurs and communities as partners in problem-solving—not just program recipients.

Key Takeaways from the Session

1. Participation isn’t a buzzword—it’s a systems-level strategy.
True participatory approaches go beyond surveys or stakeholder interviews. They involve co-design, shared decision-making, and iterative reflection throughout the program lifecycle. Whether it's during program design, data analysis, or adaptive management, these approaches treat stakeholders as experts—not passive beneficiaries.

2. Innovation ecosystems thrive when they are inclusive ecosystems.
As highlighted in the webinar, participatory approaches help uncover lived experiences, contextual challenges, and creative ideas that traditional evaluation methods often miss. This is especially critical in underrepresented or resource-constrained communities.

3. Creativity flourishes with diverse inputs.
Using tools like rich picturing, context mapping, story loops, and outcome harvesting, programs can visually and narratively surface what’s working, what’s missing, and what potential exists. These tools invite creativity—through storytelling, visualization, and collaborative sensemaking.

4. Participatory methods are not a luxury—they’re a necessity.
While some worry these approaches require too much time or funding, the long-term return on investment is clear: more relevant programs, greater stakeholder trust, and more sustainable impact. And as one panelist noted: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Do Creative / Nonprofit / Innovation Accelerators Work?

It seems in creative sectors—where cultural knowledge, informal innovation, and community influence are central—participatory approaches are especially vital to regional and local economic growth. Logically speaking, bringing together designers, artists, food entrepreneurs, makers, and other into a shared space (maybe a renovated church or school), could lead to a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. This isn’t always the case. Participatory design is one element. I am interested to explore others. Do you have a story for me about success or failure? Reach out!

At B Global x Design, we are strong believers in participatory design and evaluation, and how prototyping and learning can lead to more impact. We want to explore the stories of entrepreneurs who designed accelerators or shared spaces, and what the results were. We want to hear from entrepreneurs who participated in shared spaces. What’s working? What’s not?

Ready to Co-Create or Tell Your Story?

If you're an incubator, accelerator, funder, or policy partner looking to support more resilient, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, let’s talk. Participatory approaches aren’t a trend—they’re a transformation.

📝 Reference:

Webinar: Co-Creating Innovation: Advancing Incubator and Accelerator Success Through Participatory Research
Date: June 4, 2025 | Hosted by William Davidson Institute & LEAP Africa