What does cultural innovation stand for? Dimensions, processes, outcomes of a new innovation category

Abstract This article introduces the notion of cultural innovation, which requires adapting our approach to co-creation. The argument opens with a first conceptualization of cultural innovation as an additional and autonomous category of the complex processes of co-creation. The dimensions of cultural innovation are contrasted against other forms of innovation. In a second step, the article makes an unprecedented attempt in describing processes and outcomes of cultural innovation, while showing their operationalization in some empirical case studies. In the conclusion, the article considers policy implications resulting from the novel definition of cultural innovation as the outcome of complex processes that involve the reflection of knowledge flows across the social environment within communities of practices while fostering the inclusion of diversity in society. First and foremost, cultural innovation takes a critical stance against inequalities in the distribution of knowledge and builds innovation for improving the welfare of individuals and communities.