Is co-production a ?good? concept? Three responses

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 antic-ipatory 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

Automated summary

Co-production is a process of intentional exchange between diverse stakeholders, generating unique outcomes. Scholars have addressed the conceptual messiness of co-production through clarification, elucidation, and provocation. Our analysis highlights the value of different conceptual approaches in understanding co-production in futures studies and offers more diverse ways of knowing.