Co-creation and co-governance are closely associated but not always present together. They represent two distinct concepts that are related in many, if not most contexts. We consider the definitions of co-creation and co-governance as well as how governance may emerge out of co-creation processes. In fact, co-creation can be a powerful catalyst, especially when focused on nature-based solutions and other greening projects which have the power to bring people together with less conflict and controversy. While co-creation and co-governance share some similarities in terms of collaboration and participation, they often differ in their focus, scope and time-frames. 

This piece looks at the overlap in these two process, the differences and when they support each other. In general, co-creation will become strongly intertwined with collaborative governance when it is part of a broader process of collaboration decision-making that begins to establish a more comprehensive and sustained approach. This tends to be associated with larger, urban-regeneration type projects.

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