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This article describes a practical tool for researchers and societal actors to critically explore when and how particular co-production approaches may be effective or constructive.
Researching solutions – participants sharing knowledge of creative solutions to address transport issues in African cities. Photo: SEI.
The promise of co-production to address complex sustainability challenges is compelling. Yet, co-production, the collaborative weaving of research and practice, encompasses diverse aims, terminologies and practices, with poor clarity over their implications. To explore this diversity, the researchers systematically mapped differences in how 32 initiatives from six continents co-produce diverse outcomes for the sustainable development of ecosystems at local to global scales. They found variation in their purpose for utilizing co-production, understanding of power, approach to politics and pathways
to impact.
A cluster analysis identified six modes of co-production: (1) researching solutions; (2) empowering voices; (3) brokering power; (4) reframing power; (5) navigating differences and (6) reframing agency.
Figure from the paper showing how six different modes of co-production vary by purpose, power, politics and pathways. Source: Chambers / Wageningen University. Images adapted from the Noun Project under a Creative Commons License CC BY 3.0: handshake by Chunk Icons, magnifying glass by kiddo, pyramid by IconPai, arrow by Alice Design and iceberg by Juan Pablo Bravo.
No mode is ideal; each holds unique potential to achieve particular outcomes, but also poses unique challenges and risks. The analysis provides a heuristic tool for researchers and societal actors to critically explore this diversity and effectively navigate trade-offs when co-producing sustainability.
SEI brief / Este informe analiza las formas en que los investigadores pueden ayudar a cambiar los desequilibrios en las relaciones de poder Norte-Sur con la investigación.
SEI brief / This brief discusses ways that researchers can help shift imbalances in Global North-South power relationships in climate and environment research practices.
Feature / SEI was invited to share research insights with the International Development Association and Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Design and development by Soapbox.
