Six modes of co-production for sustainability

DOI
Publisher DOI
Abstract
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 impli- cations. To explore this diversity, we systematically mapped differences in how 32 initiatives from 6 continents co-produce diverse outcomes for the sustainable development of ecosystems at local to global scales. We 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. No mode is ideal; each holds unique potential to achieve particular outcomes, but also poses unique challenges and risks. Our analysis provides a heuristic tool for researchers and societal actors to critically explore this diversity and effectively navigate trade-offs when co-producing sustainability.
Date Issued
2021-08-05
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Chambers, Josephine M.
Wyborn, Carina
Ryan, Melanie E.
Reid, Robin S.
Riechers, Maraja
Serban, Anca
Bennett, Nathan J.
Cvitanovic, Christopher
Fernández-Giménez, María E.
Galvin, Kathleen A.
Goldstein, Bruce E.
Klenk, Nicole L.
Tengö, Maria
Brennan, Ruth
Cockburn, Jessica J.
Hill, Rosemary
Munera, Claudia
Nel, Jeanne L.
Österblom, Henrik
Bednarek, Angela T.
Bennett, Elena M.
Brandeis, Amos
Charli-Joseph, Lakshmi
Chatterton, Paul
Curran, K.
Dumrongrojwatthana, Pongchai
Durán, América Paz
Fada, Salamatu J.
Green, Jonathan M. H.
Guerrero, Angela M.
Horcea-Milcu, Andra-Ioana
Leimona, Beria
Montana, Jasper
Rondeau, Renee
Spierenburg, Marja
Steyaert, Patrick
Gruby, Rebecca
Hutton, Jon
Pickering, Tomas
Additional Credits
Journal
Nature sustainability
Publisher
Springer
ISSN
2398-9629
Access(Rights)
restricted
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