Co-creation and co-authorship as a collaborative research framework for environmental sustainability education

Participatory approaches like co-creation and co-authorship provide ways to conduct research which can challenge typical power dynamics. In this chapter, Safaya looks at definitions of co-design, co-production and co-dissemination practices, and considers what opportunities they offer for research.

Safaya analyzes examples of co-created and co-authored research from Australia, Hong Kong, England and Vietnam. The projects show different perspectives on the priorities, effectiveness and limitations of co-creation and co-authorship in practice. In particular, Safaya highlights where cultural shifts are needed to push back against dominant ideas of expertise and authority, and points to a range of barriers that may obstruct effective implementation of co-creation methods.

While there are challenges inherent in using these dynamic approaches, they are worth pursuing: the underlying values of transparency, equity and reflexivity promote the active involvement of different groups in conducting research. When done well – with genuinely balanced collaboration – co-created and co-authored research can have important ramifications for shaping just and fair societies.