Pilot Studies for Co-Produced Research

This case study explores five pilot projects conducted by the N8 Research Partnership, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which aimed to investigate new possibilities for co-produced research. These pilots were designed to integrate stakeholders from beyond academia into the research process, addressing issues ranging from local economic development and mental health to community theatre and urban innovation.

Each study demonstrated a distinct approach to co-production: collaboratively designing methods, jointly interpreting findings, and navigating decision-making processes with partners from community organisations, public services, and policy bodies. These pilots highlight how shared authority and mutual learning can enhance the relevance and impact of research, particularly in contexts where lived experience and local knowledge are essential.

The initiative emphasised the importance of building flexibility into research design and institutional structures. It also drew attention to the barriers posed by rigid timelines, academic hierarchies, and limited resources. To address these, the report advocates for early stakeholder engagement, adaptive timelines, and formal recognition of non-academic contributions to knowledge production.

Overall, the case underscores that meaningful co-production requires structural and cultural shifts within research institutions. When done well, co-produced research fosters trust, increases accountability, and produces outcomes more aligned with the needs and values of diverse communities.

Knowledge That Matters: Realising the Potential of Co-Production