Chambers, Josephine M.Josephine M.ChambersWyborn, CarinaCarinaWybornRyan, Melanie E.Melanie E.RyanReid, Robin S.Robin S.ReidRiechers, MarajaMarajaRiechersSerban, AncaAncaSerbanBennett, Nathan J.Nathan J.BennettCvitanovic, ChristopherChristopherCvitanovicFernández-Giménez, María E.María E.Fernández-GiménezGalvin, Kathleen A.Kathleen A.GalvinGoldstein, Bruce E.Bruce E.GoldsteinKlenk, Nicole L.Nicole L.KlenkTengö, MariaMariaTengöBrennan, RuthRuthBrennanCockburn, Jessica J.Jessica J.CockburnHill, RosemaryRosemaryHillMunera, ClaudiaClaudiaMuneraNel, Jeanne L.Jeanne L.NelÖsterblom, HenrikHenrikÖsterblomBednarek, Angela T.Angela T.BednarekBennett, Elena M.Elena M.BennettBrandeis, AmosAmosBrandeisCharli-Joseph, LakshmiLakshmiCharli-JosephChatterton, PaulPaulChattertonCurran, K.K.CurranDumrongrojwatthana, PongchaiPongchaiDumrongrojwatthanaDurán, América PazAmérica PazDuránFada, Salamatu J.Salamatu J.FadaGerber, Jean-DavidJean-DavidGerber0000-0001-9111-9071Green, Jonathan M. H.Jonathan M. H.GreenGuerrero, Angela M.Angela M.GuerreroHaller, TobiasTobiasHallerHorcea-Milcu, Andra-IoanaAndra-IoanaHorcea-MilcuLeimona, BeriaBeriaLeimonaMontana, JasperJasperMontanaRondeau, ReneeReneeRondeauSpierenburg, MarjaMarjaSpierenburgSteyaert, PatrickPatrickSteyaertZähringer, Julie GwendolinJulie GwendolinZähringer0000-0002-3253-5128Gruby, RebeccaRebeccaGrubyHutton, JonJonHuttonPickering, TomasTomasPickering2025-01-082025-01-082021-08-05https://boris-portal.unibe.ch/handle/20.500.12422/201653The 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.en300 - Social sciences, sociology & anthropology900 - History::910 - Geography & travel300 - Social sciences, sociology & anthropology::330 - Economicsarticle10.48350/15955410.1038/s41893-021-00755-x