What is Cobeo and why does it matter?
Cobeo supports people and groups to navigate collaboration in action. We make the invisible dynamics of collaboration visible, enabling more effective co- creation across differences in expertise, culture, and context.
Our research-based tools and methods help people work together more effectively and address complex challenges through shared action.
Our Vision: We envision a world where people collaborate effectively across differences to address challenges that cannot be solved alone.
Our Mission: Our mission is to build the capability of individuals and groups to collaborate creatively, connect across differences, and create lasting value together.
Who We Work With
We support collaboration across sectors and levels, focusing on three key groups:
Practitioners – Individuals who engage directly in collaborative work, applying expertise to shared challenges.
Collaboration Advocates & Enablers – People and organisations who cultivate collaborative environments and processes.
Networks Tackling Complex Problems – Collectives that bring diverse perspectives to address shared challenges.
What we do
Cobeo provides practical supports to help grow collaborative cultures and strengthen co- creation capabilities, including Learning Experiences, Tools & Methods, and Tailored Support.
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Learning Experiences & Workshops – Interactive workshops and structured learning modules, delivered in- person and online, designed for diverse groups and contexts.
Tools & Methods – Evidence- based frameworks that make collaborative dynamics visible and easier to navigate. Support planning, reflection, facilitation, and learning.
Tailored Support – Customised programs, events, and coaching for organisations, teams, and communities.
See examples of Cobeo in Action →
Cobeo Tools
Cobeo Tools are a set of practical interactive resources that help users more quickly and directly explore the dynamics, phases, and challenges that come up in co- creative processes of all kinds.
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Cobeo tools can be used by individuals or groups, collaborative teams, facilitators, educators, and participants in any kind of co- creation work.They help make visible the intangibles of collaboration, lay strong foundations for working together, and help you navigate the tricky bits better.
Use them for planning, facilitation, reflection and troubleshooting, as well as teaching, coaching, and learning about collaborative practice.
HOW THEY WERE DEVELOPED
Cobeo Tools were developed through the Scaffolding Cultural Co- Creativity Project, a collaborative research initiative led by Dr. Maya Haviland at Australian National University. These tools translate research insights into accessible formats for people involved in collaborative practice— from emerging practitioners to organisational leaders— and are designed to adapt across cultures, disciplines, and contexts.
Collaborative Cultures
Collaborative Cultures is a cross-sectoral culture change program that supports collective reflection and action to address complex shared challenges through meaningful collaborative practice.
Our Approach
We understand that co- creation is a journey, not a checklist. Our approach supports people in navigating every co- creative journey with practical, interactive tools and learning experiences.
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Our approach helps people engage with real- life collaborative challenges and:
- Build strong foundations for effective partnerships
- Navigate diverse collaborative processes
- Create environments of care, mutual respect, and learning
- Align values and priorities
- Reduce the costs of ineffective collaboration
- Our research shows Cobeo is adaptable across contexts and scales, accessible to diverse users, and effective in supporting real- world collaborative practice.
OUR PRINCIPLES
- Welcome the whole self – We foster environments that welcome people fully
- Practice hospitality – We’re generous with time and space
- Cultivate care – We nurture curiosity and creativity
- Experiment and iterate – We evaluate and improve through practice
- Encourage reflection – We create space for shared learning
Work in Action
Cobeo’s tools and methods have been applied across diverse sectors through learning experiences, workshops, salons, and partnership projects. Explore our work in practice.
What People Say
“Such an important way of working, being, understanding and sharing, in the community sector and in government.”
“It provides you the language and insights to approach collaboration, and the ability to reflect and identify tricky situations.”
“I left feeling nourished, held up and hopeful. It’s such a balm to be in a space where the value of what we do is understood and celebrated.”
“I’m more likely to initiate and complete collaborative research and business projects with the tools and insights developed through the Lab.”
Who We Are
Maya Haviland is a facilitator, cultural producer and researcher who has worked with communities across Australia, Mexico, the USA, and Vanuatu. Her practice is based in co- creative and participatory approaches to social change and knowledge sharing. As Translational Fellow at the Australian National University, she leads the Scaffolding Cultural Co- Creativity Project and invented Cobeo— a suite of tools supporting collective work.
Sejul Malde develops programmes and partnerships that build capacity to enable collaborative research for public value. He has worked extensively across arts & heritage organisations, community groups, academia, corporates and policy makers. Sejul leads Collaborative Research Initiatives for the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University.
Mitchell Whitelaw is a designer, maker and academic who has worked extensively with cultural, scientific and creative collaborators, and is a long- time advocate for engaged, interdisciplinary and applied research. Mitchell is Professor of Design in the School of Art and Design, Australian National University.
News
Collaborative Practices Salon #11
We are delighted to invite you to Collaborative Practices Salon #11, on September 24th 2025 from 3-5pm. This event is...
Convening networked conversations around shared agendas: the Local Assembly example
Bringing diverse people and perspectives together in dialogue and exchange is a key need when forming collectives to...
The Dynamics of Collaboration learning experience
The Dynamics of Collaboration is a practical, reflective workshop that introduces Cobeo tools and frameworks for...
Fostering Effective Collaborative Projects Learning Experience
The Foster Effective Collaborative Projects Learning Experience is built around your own work — rather than generic...