Module 3.

4. Digital Tools and Innovation Platforms

Abstract

This chapter presents digital tools that support the organization, monitoring, and collaboration of innovative projects. Featured resources include Padlet, Miro, Trello, and ClickUp, which are useful for recording ideas, planning actions, and encouraging collective participation. It also explores the strategic role of the Innovation Department in mediating these processes, ensuring that proposals are not lost but evolve with clarity and shared responsibility. The use of technology should be adapted to local contexts and always serve inclusion, active listening, and co-creation.

It’s not just about coming up with new ideas — it’s also about supporting their development, building strong connections, and working together to turn them into reality. For this to happen, active involvement from participants, the use of digital tools, and solid institutional support — especially through the Innovation Department — are essential.

This department should guide and support creative processes, making sure proposals are documented, followed through, and developed with clarity, respect, and shared responsibility. With the help of digital tools, it becomes easier to organize ideas, assign tasks, keep communication flowing, and maintain consistency over time.

When used thoughtfully, these tools help increase participation and make the journey of building ideas together more visible. As Eid & Forstrom (2021) point out, digital innovation should enhance—not replace—real-world interactions, always focusing on inclusion, listening, and teamwork.

When introducing technology, it’s important to take into account the local situation: internet access, available devices, and how familiar people are with using digital tools. Offering basic tech support and easy-to-understand training helps everyone feel confident and safe when participating.

Here are some simple and user-friendly platforms:

  • Padlet – A shared digital board for texts, images, videos, and audio.
  • Miro – A visual space for planning, collaborating, and mapping out ideas.
  • Trello – A tool for tracking tasks and setting deadlines.
  • ClickUp – A full platform for transparent and group-based project management.

More than just connecting devices, technology should bring people together—with care, attention, and respect.