Enhancing the Impact of Co-Creation Research: Large Scale Interventions With a Stakeholder Steering Committee for Whole System Engagement

Co-creation research has the potential to produce valuable knowledge and tools, yet it often falls short of driving substantial practical changes due to insufficient engagement of the wider system. This article introduces the Large Scale Interventions (LSI) approach, designed to foster ownership and accountability for change within organisations and society. LSI integrates large group meetings with stakeholders for joint inquiry and validation alongside smaller team collaborations focused on tool development, trials, and subsequent actions for implementation. Using the “Impactful Graduation” project in Dutch Higher Professional Education as a case study, we illustrate the pivotal role of a steering committee in achieving systemic impact. By applying LSI principles also in the meetings with the steering committee, we co-created processes and tools leading to ever-widening circles of stakeholder engagement. We reflect on this project’s process and outcomes using a framework for change strategies and engagement levels. Our main lessons highlight the critical importance of shared leadership and responsibility in the steering committee for all decisions, as well as in the funding phase. Additionally, ensuring sufficient resources are available to support all participants in large group meetings, particularly stakeholders who participate in their free time, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the LSI approach.