The Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Ghent University ^[1] together with three partner universities ^[2] and four textile industries ^[3] have recently embarked in an Erasmus+ funded project (‘Knowledge Alliances’) with the title ‘T-CREPE: Textile engineering for co-creation paradigms in education’.

T-Crepe aims at developing an innovative web-based platform to support co-creation-based learning (a design-based learning methodology). Co-creation brings broad as well as in-depth knowledge and skills (entrepreneurial behaviour, multi-perspective thinking and building partnerships). Co-creation cases often have market potential. A web-based platform will support lecturers in implementing co-creation-based learning activities into their courses, saving coaching time, improving the effectiveness, efficiency and commercial exploitation.

^[1] Ghent University, Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering (EA11) and Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Product Design (EA18), (Belgium).
^[2] LUT University Finland, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and University of West Attica (Greece).
^[3] Knitronix (Italy), Texmind (Germany), R&P (Germany), EuraMaterials (France).

The kick off meeting of T-CREPE was held in Ghent and Kortrijk from 6th to 9th of November 2019, with the following schedule:

DAY 1: CO-CREATION AND EDUCATION

Wed 6 November, 14.30-17.30 UFO, Raadzaal, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, Ghent

• Introduction to the project and its partners
• About the online educational platform ‘Choico’
• Experiences from local participants (e.g.m, City of Ghent, UGent) and students on co-creation projects
• 45 min workshop to explain how co-creation works in a digital world
• 18.00 networking reception with a welcome note by Elke De Cruyenaere (City Council of Ghent).

DAY 2: CO-CREATION II, DESIGN THINKING & THE DESIGN.NEXUS IO GROUP

Thu 7 November, 15.00 to 18.00 IDC (3rd floor), Marksesteenweg 58, Kortrijk

• Introduction to Design Thinking and the Co-creation course at UGent
• International partners presentations
• Co-creation students’ project presentations
• Introduction to the Design.Nexus IO Research Group at IDC.

DAY 3: CO-CREATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Fri 8 November, 14.00 to 17.00 De Krook, Miriam Makebaplein 1, Ghent (Room: Blauwe Vogel)

• Introduction of the T-CREPE business partners
• Presentation of the T-CREPE approach to stimulate students to exploit promising co-creation results
• Testimonials of former student-participants who have created business from co-creation courses during/after their studies
• Round table.