Co-production of knowledge and sustainability transformations: a strategic compass for global research networks

An increasing number of voices highlight the need for science itself to transform and to engage in the co-production of knowledge and action, in order to enable the fundamental transformations needed to advance towards sustainable futures. But how can global sustainability-oriented research networks engage in co-production of knowledge and action? The present article introduces a strategic tool called the `network compass' which highlights four generic, interrelated fields of action through which networks can strive to foster coproduction. It is based on the networks' particular functions and how these can be engaged for co-production processes. This tool aims to foster self-reflection and learning within and between networks in the process of (re)developing strategies and activity plans and effectively contributing to sustainability transformations. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

This article introduces a strategic tool called the 'network compass' to help global sustainability research networks enhance themselves in co-producing knowledge and action, and participate in sustainability transformations.