Principles for knowledge co-production in sustainability research

Principles for knowledge co-production in sustainability research

Author(s): Norström, A.V., Cvitanovic, C., Löf, M.F., Biggs, R., Reyers, B. et al.
Link to CST author(s): Prof. Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs
Publication: Nature Sustainability
Year: 2020
Full reference: Norström, A.V., Cvitanovic, C., Löf, M.F. et al. Principles for knowledge co-production in sustainability research. Nat Sustain (2020) doi:10.1038/s41893-019-0448-2
Download publication https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-019-0448-2

---

Summary

Research practice, funding agencies and global science organizations suggest that research aimed at addressing sustainability challenges is most effective when ‘co-produced’ by academics and non-academics. Co-production promises to address the complex nature of contemporary sustainability challenges better than more traditional scientific approaches. But definitions of knowledge co-production are diverse and often contradictory. We propose a set of four general principles that underlie high-quality knowledge co-production for sustainability research. Using these principles, we offer practical guidance on how to engage in meaningful co-productive practices, and how to evaluate their quality and success.