AENEA, an innovative approach that integrates agile and co-creation methodologies to empower stakeholder engagement and contribution

At the 2023 IEEE MetroXRAINE conference, OneAquaHealth researchers will be presenting  a groundbreaking paper introducing the Unified Stakeholders Needs Co-creation Process (AENEA). This innovative methodology is specially crafted for direct stakeholder engagement in research and innovation projects, with a specific emphasis on advancing information technology innovations to achieve greater shared value. By extending the established Agile software development approach to incorporate direct stakeholder involvement, AENEA ensures seamless integration of end-users’ perspectives and expectations into the development process. The result is a more effective and relevant generation of information technology innovations that align perfectly with real-world needs.

The AENEA methodology holds particular significance for OneAquaHealth, given the pivotal role of stakeholder involvement in urban planning and design. By embracing AENEA, there is potential to usher in a paradigm shift towards creating resilient, inclusive, and adaptable cities. Emphasising the engagement of multiple stakeholder groups fosters a collaborative approach that goes beyond traditional top-down techniques, tapping into the collective knowledge and creativity of the community. In doing so, AENEA leverages local perspectives, attitudes, and experiences to address complex urban challenges that a unilateral approach might overlook. This methodology paves the way for innovative solutions that truly resonate with and benefit the diverse needs of the urban populace.The five-step AENEA process, as depicted below, conceptualised in the OneAquaHealth (OAH) project context, fosters urban environmental sustainability and citizen engagement through citizen science associated with monitoring urban stream ecosystems. By leveraging the One Digital Health (ODH) framework principles, AENEA integrates public knowledge production and active engagement with scientific endeavours, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future.

Several case studies within the OAH project demonstrate the effectiveness of the AENEA process in real-world scenarios. The research sites in Coimbra, Toulouse, Benevento, Ghent, and Oslo offer diverse perspectives on urban environmental sustainability and enable comprehensive engagement. By combining latitudinal and longitudinal gradients, different climatic zones, and cultural contexts, the AENEA approach allows for a holistic understanding of urban ecosystems and their interplay with human activities. The AENEA process represents a paradigm shift in stakeholder engagement, offering a comprehensive and collaborative framework for urban environmental sustainability. By combining Agile and co-creation methodologies, AENEA unlocks the potential for transformative change, ensuring that stakeholders are active participants in shaping the future of their cities.