Is co-production a 'good' concept? Three responses. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Durose, Catherine; Perry, Beth; Richardson, Liz
• Is Part Of: Futures. Volume 142(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Co-production -- Conceptualisation -- Buzzwords -- Social science; Economic forecasting -- Periodicals; Technological forecasting -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; Prévision économique -- Périodiques; Prévision technologique -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Economic forecasting; Economic policy; Technological forecasting; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 330.0112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2022.102999
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-3287

Abstract

Abstract: Co-production refers to a reciprocal process of exchange between diverse stakeholders, in order to generate outcomes that are only possible because of this deliberate intersection of difference. Whilst the concept of co-production appeals within and for futures studies, foresight and anticipatory politics, its conceptual messiness has been widely critiqued. Drawing upon an integrative literature review of co-production and concept formation in the social sciences, we identify three approaches that scholars of co-production have sought to mobilise in order to address this critique. Each approach offers a different perspective on what makes a 'good' social scientific concept: clarification, elucidation and provocation. Our analysis illuminates the value of holding different approaches to conceptualisation in tension, as a means of developing a richer and more contingent understanding of co-production to future studies' debates. In doing so, we open up new conceptual imaginaries for co-production and its prefigurative value within futures studies, offering more pluralistic ways of knowing in a context of radical uncertainty Highlights: Co-production's value to future studies depends on its conceptual 'goodness'. There are different approaches to assessing if co-production is a 'good' concept. We identify three distinct approaches: clarification, elucidation and provocation. Each differs in assessing the conceptual meaning, purpose and value of co-production We show there is value in more pluralistic ways of conceptualising co-production.