The first objective of this qualitative study is to create a holistic view of knowledge co-creation as a process by closely examining a virtual project during which a temporary group of cleantech experts co-create a conceptual design. The second objective is to identify experts’ needs and project leaders’ actions related to facilitation during the process, as well as to understand what kind of support is needed in virtual project environment in order to execute rather short-term and fast-paced co-creation projects. Findings indicate that a knowledge co-creation process has two main phases; an unbounded phase and a solution-oriented phase. At first, problem framing is left rather open enabling effortless knowledge communication, and creating a shared, rich knowledge basis for the dispersed group. The group moves from open ideation to solution-oriented co-creation in which experts contribute to the emerging solution under increasing awareness of context and coherence. Project leaders have a significant facilitative role throughout the co-creation process. Virtual project environment offers opportunities for flexible collaboration projects, but is also a challenging context in which versatile support is needed.
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