This stimulating book proposes the concept of staging as a tool for planning and facilitating design and innovation activities. Drawing on a predominantly Scandinavian tradition of participatory design research and sociotechnical perspectives from actor-network theory, it discusses how staging can enable co-design, sustainable transitions and social and radical innovation.Expert researchers and practitioners present in-depth case studies on how staging can be used in practice, including co-design within the health sector, product development in industry, energy practices and urban development. Chapters also explore theoretical and conceptual developments, such as the possible spaces for staging, the role of material objects, travel and circulation of knowledge and the use of spatial and theatrical metaphors. Reflecting on how staging is practiced in a variety of settings, the book illustrates collaborative strategies that shape design and innovation processes.

This book is critical reading for academics and students with an interest in public policy, knowledge management and organizational innovation. Providing actionable strategies based on participatory design, shaping technology and organizational theory, it will also be beneficial for design engineers, city planners and technology managers.