CO-PRODUCTION TOOLBOX
Update February 2022
Co-creating Urban Transformative capacity through Participatory Action Research
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
Interactive symbols
extra information
reference
INTRODUCTION TO THE TOOLBOX
external link
It can be defined as “the collaborative production of scientifically and socially relevant knowledge, transformative action and new social relations”. TRANS-PED is rooted in hands-on urban energy practices in Stockholm, Lund, Brussels, Tyrol and Graz. The project offers a space for reflection and interaction for researchers and practitioners, as a platform to co-produce knowledge about transforming urban energy systems, based on the comparison of PED characteristics and approaches in these specific contexts. Setting up such a process of knowledge co-production requires a shared methodological approach. The Belgian project partners VUB and Confluences have therefore developed a co-production methodology based on participatory action research principles to be applied >>
The TRANS-PED project aims to develop urban transformative capacity for the deep and holistic transformation of urban energy systems. It proposes a Participatory Action Research approach (PAR) to co-produce knowledge that can support the development of Positive Energy Districts and Neighbourhoods (PEDs). The use of PAR makes it possible to maximally mobilize the (different types of) knowledge and experience of the TRANS-PED consortium and its partners to deepen our understanding of the relatively recent PED concept and the many dimensions it involves. Participatory action research is based on the idea that by engaging a variety of stakeholders in trying to change a local situation, we gain a deeper understanding thereof, and that learning and knowledge co-production can take place.
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The resulting toolbox consists of five main parts. In the first part we have set out a TRANS-PED framework or research infrastructure to facilitate knowledge co-production between the different project partners and participating PEDs. This co-production framework takes the form of an overview of different types of TRANS-PED actors, project levels and types of knowledge co-production that can take place during the project. In the second part, we present a general introduction to Participatory Action Research (PAR) in 10 principles that underlie the TRANS-PED co-productive research infrastructure. These principles served as input for PED dialogues on co-production with different project partners, of which a synopsis is equally included in this part of the toolbox. We conclude with a set of guiding questions for PAR practitioners to push TRANSPED-actors further while engaging multiple stakeholders in the research project. >>
throughout the TRANS-PED project phases: WP3 (Embedding), WP4 (Assessing) and WP5 (Upscaling). This co-production methodology is designed as a ‘Co-production toolbox’ to guide the TRANS-PED partners in the organisation of multi-stakeholder engagements in each PED (PED-level), and to the transversal comparison activities of the TRANS-PED project as a whole (TRANS-PED level). One of the most basic principles of Participatory Action Research is to move away from externally led, top-down (academic) interventions and let meaningful research practices, tools and methods emerge from the specific research context. In that spirit, the decision was taken to develop not just a co-production toolbox, but a toolbox that to a certain extent is also co-produced by the different project partners and rooted into the unique context and challenges of the (aspiring) PEDs participating in this project.
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Discover theToolbox
Throughout the project and the upcoming work packages, the toolbox will therefore keep on being complemented and updated, especially its third and fourth part. Apart from TRANS-PED project partners, we hope that the toolbox can also be of use to other academics and practitioners with an interest in co-creating sustainable and inclusive urban energy systems. This toolbox is designed by Tessa Boeykens (tessa@cocreate.brussels) from Confluences, and Griet Juwet (Griet.Juwet@vub.be) and Dieter Bruggeman (Dieter.Bruggeman@vub.be) from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. If you have any questions or remarks on the document or its contents, feel free to contact them. Illustrations are made by Claire Allard from Klär.graphics. //
In the third part of the toolbox, you will find a preliminary selection of tools to bring together different PED stakeholders and facilitate knowledge co-production for sustainable change in cities. In the fourth part of the toolbox, some of these tools are combined into TRANS-PED workshop outlines that are specifically designed in the context of the project's different work packages. The final part of the toolbox collects references to inspiring PAR literture and other relavant toolboxes. We hope that this toolbox can become meaningful and useful for every project partner. In that sense, it is important to highlight that we do not envision this toolbox as a finished product, but rather as a guide for a co-creative process that will continue to evolve with the TRANS-PED project.
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CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
Return to toolbox
TRANS-PED research infrastructure
In this first part of the toolbox, we have set out a TRANS-PED framework or research infrastructure to facilitate knowledge co-production between the different project partners and participating PEDs. This co-production framework takes the form of an overview of different types of TRANS-PED actors, project levels and types of knowledge co-production that can take place during the project.
TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Return to the Toolbox overview
TRANS-PED RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
This co-production framework takes the form of an overview of the different types of TRANS-PED actors, project levels and types of knowledge co-production that can take place during the project. We have also included a short account on how the TRANS-PED research infrastructure is put into practice in work package 3 (embedding). //
Part I of this toolbox sets out the research infrastructure to facilitate knowledge co-production between the different project partners and participating PEDs in the TRANS-PED project. The aim of this research infrastructure is to create a working environment and methodology which enables the collaboration between multiple project partners, thereby integrating a heterogeneity of knowledges and experiences. Challenges are identified collaboratively and innovative pathways for the realization of PED projects are elaborated and implemented. By joining forces across disciplines, projects, nations and actor types, the framework aims to achieve comprehensive and widespread sustainable transformations in which local experiments are turned into long-term systemic change.
DOWNLOAD PDF: TRANS-PED research infrastructure
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CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
An introduction to Participatory Action Research
In the second part of the toolbox, we present a general introduction to Participatory Action Research (PAR) in 10 principles that underlie the TRANS-PED co-production research infrastructure presented Part I of the toolbox. These principles served as input for PED dialogues on co-production with different project partners, of which a synopsis is equally included in this part of the toolbox. We conclude with a set of guiding questions for PAR practitioners to push TRANSPED-actors further while engaging multiple stakeholders in the research project.
PAR - 10 key principles
PED dialogues on co-production
Guiding questions for PAR practitioners
Return to part 2of the Toolbox
PAR - 10 KEY PRINCIPLES
issue that is being studied and intends to result in concrete action, change or innovation on the issue that is being explored. PAR is not a research methodology; it is an approach to doing research, a design or a strategy. Also, there is no blueprint or a ‘proper’ way of doing PAR: every context is different, and every PAR process will therefore be different. In this part of the toolbox, we introduce PAR based on 10 key principles that help us to (re-)imagine how co-creative research could look like. //
The TRANS-PED project aims to develop urban transformative capacity for the deep and holistic transformation of urban energy systems. It proposes a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to co-produce knowledge that can support the development of Positive Energy Districts and Neighbourhoods (PEDs). TRANS-PED is rooted in hands-on urban energy practices in Stockholm, Lund, Brussels, Tyrol and Graz. Through its focus on the collaboration between multiple stakeholders, reflexivity and learning, and real-world interventions, participatory action research is a key approach to co-produce integrated and practice-relevant knowledge about and for PEDs, and to foster urban transformative capacity among PED stakeholders. PAR is a collaborative way of doing research and co-producing knowledge by bringing together a diversity of stakeholders around a concrete issue and research question(s) that directly concern or affect them. PAR is shaped and driven by the people that have a stake in the
DOWNLOAD PDF: Participatory Action Research - 10 Key Principles
ONLINE version: Participatory Action Research- 10 Key Principles
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What could a PAR project look like?
PAR - 10 KEY PRINCIPLES
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PED DIALOGUES ON CO-PRODUCTION
- their experiences with participation trajectories, PAR and co-creation
- what tools they use or would find useful to engage different stakeholder groups
- the possibilities but also challenges and pragmatics of mobilizing a PAR approach both internally on a PED project level, and on a TRANS-PED level
After these so-called PED dialogues, we have adapted the toolbox to the specific context of the TRANS-PED project and the needs of the different project partners. This part of the toolbox presents a summary of these intial conversations with the PED project stakeholders. //
One of the basic principles of Participatory Action Research is to move away from externally led, top-down (academic) interventions and let meaningful research practices, tools and methods emerge from the specific research context. In that spirit, the decision was taken to develop not just a co-production toolbox, but a toolbox that to a certain extent is also co-produced by the different project partners and rooted into the unique context and challenges of the (aspiring) PEDs participating in this project. As a first step in the development of the toolbox, the project partners VUB and Confluences layed out some basic principles and definitions of co-creation and PAR in what was termed the ‘co-production toolbox 1.0’. This set of principles has served as input for an initial round of discussion with different work package leaders and PED coordinators in June 2021 to dialogue about:
DOWNLOAD PDF: "PED dialogues on co-production"
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GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR PAR PRACTITIONERS
contexts of their PED projects, but also on how these questions can guide knowledge co-production and multiple stakeholder involvement on a TRANS-PED level. The guiding questions relate to the following topics :
- Stakeholder involvement
- Preconditions for co-creation & active participation
- Inclusive tools & methodology
- Conflict management
- Exclusive participation & power relations
- Participation / Action
- Managing Expectations & Ethics //
In this second part of the toolbox, we have first presented a general introduction to Participatory Action Research (PAR) in 10 principles. To make things more concrete and operational, these principles are accompanied by a set of guiding questions that TRANS-PED actors can ask themselves while engaging multiple stakeholders in the research project. This part of the toolbox is based on first-hand experiences and insights from the TRANS-PED co-production partner Confluences (www.confluences.eu) in developing and implementing different forms of co-creative processes and PAR trajectories, in particular in the areas of social innovation, sustainable transformations and urban resilience. We invite the TRANS-PED project partners to reflect on how these generic questions might be translated to the specific
DOWNLOAD PDF: "Guiding questions for PAR practitioners"
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CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
Co-production tools
The third part of the toolbox is the most hands-on and practical. Here you will find a selection of relevant tools to engage multiple stakeholders in the design of a research project, facilitate knowledge co-production and collaboratively define research impact and its evaluation. In the fourth part of the toolbox, some of these tools are combined into TRANS-PED workshop outlines that are specifically designed in the context of the project's different work packages.
Co-production tools
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLS
RESEARCH CO-DESIGN
Engaging multiple stakeholders in the design of your research project: alligning interests, defining roles and managing expectations.
KNOWLEDGE CO-PRODUCTION
Bringing together different types of expertise around a shared research interest and learning from each other.
IMPACT & EVALUATION
Engaging multiple stakeholders in defining and planning meaningful research impact, societal transformation and its evaluation.
Return to tools
RESEARCH CO-DESIGN
Stakeholder mapping/matrix
Actor constellation
Timeline
Return to 'Research co-design'' tools
Stakeholder mapping/matrix
Identifying, analyzing and mobilizing a multiple-stakeholder landscape
This tool helps to identify (potential) stakeholders that are (not yet) involved in a project or research process. It entails the grouping of stakeholders into categories (legislative and executive power, public bodies, private organisations, users, etc.), relate them to each other, and analyse them along a diversity of potential parameters; their degree of influence on the (research) project, how much they are affected by the issue that that is being studied, the relevance of their knowledge/skills, etc. Based on this initial stakeholder analysis, the SynCity project (2021) proposes an additional "commoning matrix" to develop mutual understanding between the different groups and move towards stakeholder-inclusive planning and the formation of urban commons. To identify, analyze and engage the multi-stakeholder landscape that is relavant for your (research) project. To engage multiple stakeholders in the design of your research project: alligning interests, defining roles and managing expectations. TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop: a combination of stakeholder mapping/matrix, multi-stakeholder discussion groups and participatory mapping Chevalier (J.) and Buckles (D.J.), Handbook for PAR, Planning and Evaluation, SAS2 Dialogue, Ottawa, 2013, p.75-89. Ivanceanu (I.), Pfeifer (R.) and Dobre (C.)(eds.), “Cooperate. A handbook to co-create urban commons", Bibliothek der Provinz, Austria, 2021, p.126-140.
What is a stakeholder mapping/matrix? Why should this be applied? How does it work?
Actor constellation
"A role-play for identifying the relevance of various involved actors for tackling a specific research question."
During this role-play, a variety of scientific and societal actors that are directly concerned with a research project, are visually/spatially represented around central research questions, domains or interests. The positioning of each actor in relation to specific research interests, helps to explore her/his role and relevance in the project. Collaborative research projects are often characterized by relatively large consortia where different team members may hold implicit assumptions about the relevance or potential contribution of others. This role play is a great way to get to know each other and to make underlying assumptions explicit. It also allows for a common exploration and joint deliberation of everyone's contribution to and position within the project. Actor constellation role-play should be done early in the project, when the team is being formed and try to articulate shared research interests. Pohl (C.) "Actor constellation", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is an actor constellation? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Timeline
"A story-based, qualitative method for retrospectively assembling crucial events in a collective process."
The timeline method allows different stakeholders to look back at a how they perceived a collaborative project or a process of knowledge co-production. It uses storytelling and visualization to move towards a shared understanding of a project trajectory and retrospectively trace project milestones, significant events, work packages, challenges or observed changes. Delineate the process you want to reconstruct, draw a simple timeline on an empty poster and invite individual participants to mark major process phases or key moments. Different participants may have experienced things differently and will therefore stress different elements on the timeline. Find out what has been important for whom and why to increase mutual understanding and move towards a joint project story. Besides retrospection, the timeline method can also be used as a participatory planning tool, to facilitate project co-design or to engage new stakeholders in an on-going project. Storywalls are normally made at the end of group processes, but can also be used to create shared understandings during the project (co-)design and planning phase. Wülser (G.). "Storywall", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020. Chevalier (J.) and Buckles (D.J.), Handbook for PAR, Planning and Evaluation, SAS2 Dialogue, Ottawa, 2013, p.59.
What is the timeline method? When should it be applied? How does it work?
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLS
RESEARCH CO-DESIGN
Engaging multiple stakeholders in the design of your research project: alligning interests, defining roles and managing expectations.
KNOWLEDGE CO-PRODUCTION
Bringing together different types of expertise around a shared research interest and learning from each other.
IMPACT & EVALUATION
Engaging multiple stakeholders in defining and planning meaningful research impact, societal transformation and its evaluation.
KNOWLEDGE CO-PRODUCTION
Venn diagram tool
Boundary critique
Stakeholder discussion group
The walkshop
Photovoice
Participatory mapping
Return to 'Knowledgeco-production' tools
Venn diagram tool
"A diagram for forming groups around joint topics based on participants’ background, expertise, and interest."
TRANS-PED aims to bring together a variety of stakeholders and different types of expertise about transforming urban energy systems. The Venn diagram variation proposed by B. Pearce (2020) provides a template to identify each participant's expertise (e.g. background, discipline, interest) in relation to emerging shared research concerns. The Venn diagram consists of different overlapping circles representing different and potentially overlapping research topics. Based on their area of expertise and their research interests, participants situate themselves on the diagram to 1) reveal the different types of knowledge and expertise within the research group, to 2) cluster themselves around shared research interests and to 3) identify topics for knowledge co-production. The Venn diagram tool brings together different types of expertise around shared research interests and allows participants to learn from each other. This tool can be used during an early multi-stakeholder workshop in order to get to know each other, articulate shared research interests and organize the consortium in smaller working groups. Pearce (B.) "Venn diagram tool", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is the Venn diagram tool? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Boundary critique
"A set of questions to support non-experts in critically challenging an expert’s suggested solution to a problem and the solution’s social and ecological implications."
Boundary critique exposes an ‘expert' view and practice to multiple 'non-expert' stakeholder views in defining a problem and exploring meaningful solutions. The "emancipatory boundary critique" variation proposed by C. Pohl (2020), consists of a set of questions "to empower non-experts to uncover normative assumptions underlying an expert’s solution to a problem along with the solution’s social and ecological implications.” Boundary critique resonates well within a PAR trajectory, as it entails repeated cycles of co-learning and re-examining taken for granted sollutions. In uncovering a sollution's underlying assumptions and consequences, the ‘expert’ can be considered as much a lay person as the ‘non-expert’. In other words, co-producing meaningful knowledge entails discussing and deciding upon a sollution's underlying assumptions with all actors who are directly concerned with its potential consequences. This method can be used to engage multiple stakeholders in challenging a specific solution to a problem as soon as this is being developed. Pohl (C.) "Emancipatory boundary critique", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is emancipatory boundary critique? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Stakeholder discussion group
Bringing together different types of expertise and experiences to co-produce new knowledge
Stakeholder discussion groups open up a space where researchers and actors from civil society, as well as the private and the public sector come together to take part in a process of knowledge co-production by exchanging experiences and bringing in their own expertise. This method involves multiple stakeholders in the development and implementation of a (research) project without necessarily engaging them as full project or research partners. Facilitated discussion groups put into place the unique conditions for the expression of different perspectives and the exchange experiences on an equal footing. To bring together different types of expertise and experiences to explore a specific research topic or to engage stakeholders that are not yet involved enough in the project. Multi-stakeholder discussion groups can tackle specific research questions or challenge preliminary results, but can equally be organized at the beginning of a project to allow for the emergence of shared research interests among the different participants. TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop: a combination of multi-stakeholder discussion groups with other tools for knowledge co-production Fry (P.) "Multi-stakeholder discussion group", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is a "stakeholder discussion group"? Why and when should it be applied? How does this work?
The walkshop
"An in-situ tour where the narratives of local stakeholders meet those of planning experts."
This method is particularly suited to co-produce new knowledge about complex urban areas characterized by a high density of development plans and (potential) gentrification. The walkshop aims at bringing together stakeholders with different types of knowledge (e.g. city planners, local residents, users) to learn from each other by physically entering the space to which the research and/or development project relates. This method consists of a tour with multiple discussion stops where local stakeholders can present their space-related practices within their own words and from their point of view to support informal dialogue. According to the SynCity project (2021), a walkshop "enables participants to get the user experience of a space and relate it to future real estate development plans", "it allows planning experts to transform and democratise their narratives", and "ensures that communication methods used by experts (e. g. blueprints, models and presentations tools) do not 'dominate' stakeholders with lay knowledge.” After completing a site-diagnostic and stakeholder mapping. SynCity, “Engage. 11 methods + apply 10 tools", Bibliothek der Provinz, Austria, 2021, card 03.
What is a walkshop? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Photovoice
“A visual method to integrate the perspective of local residents and users into urban transformation processes.”
Photovoice can bring in new insights and perspectives by inviting residents and users to reflect about the impact that a urban planning project has or might have on their lives. Local stakeholders explore urban phenomena from their point of view by photographing scenes related to a specific research concern. These photographs are then used to facilitate multi-stakeholder discussion groups where participants share their photos and provide narratives about their relation to the neighbourhood and its development. According to a photo interview variation by the SynCity project (2021), this method "opens a dialogue with 'formal experts', as opposed to other methods where researchers decide about the relevant topics." Local residents and users become active research partners as they contribute their ideas and different types of knowledge and expertise to a planning process. Visual materials resulting from this process can also be a way of communicating research results towards different audiences, including the neighbourhood itself, city developers or decision-makers. This is a method for knowledge co-production during the field research phase. At the end of the project, you can also organise a photo exhibition and invite local authorities or policy makers. SynCity, “Engage. 11 methods + apply 10 tools", Bibliothek der Provinz, Austria, 2021, card 05.
What is photovoice? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Participatory mapping
A visual method to explore multiple-stakeholder trajectories, activities and flows in a defined space.
Inviting (often) non-mapping specialists to participate in the co-construction of a map; either online, with the help of software or with participants physically gathered around a printed map. Invite participants to visualize their experiences or what they know about a certain territory or urban phenomena on a geographical map or aerial photograph. If you want to draw more on the participant's own perception or representation of space, you can also start from a blank paper or even ask them to develop mental maps. Participatory mapping allows for the representation of local knowledge about a specific area and opens up possibilities for the transformation of a public space. This visual method can be used to facilitate multi-stakeholder discussion groups, but can also be a preparatory step for organising a field visit or a 'walkshop'. TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop: participatory mapping of urban energy systems and stakeholder landscapes SynCity, “Engage. 11 methods + apply 10 tools", Bibliothek der Provinz, Austria, 2021, card 07.
What is participatory mapping? Why and when should it be applied? How does it work?
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLS
RESEARCH CO-DESIGN
Engaging multiple stakeholders in the design of your research project: alligning interests, defining roles and managing expectations.
KNOWLEDGE CO-PRODUCTION
Bringing together different types of expertise around a shared research interest and learning from each other.
IMPACT & EVALUATION
Engaging multiple stakeholders in defining and planning meaningful research impact, societal transformation and its evaluation.
IMPACT & EVALUATION
Outcome spaces framework
Most significant change
Return to 'impact &evaluation' tools
Outcome spaces framework
"A framework to plan for preferred outcomes in transdisciplinary projects."
This framework is used to engage multiple stakeholders in defining and planning the preferred outcomes of a transdisciplinary project. Different actors participate in collaborative projects for different reasons and with different expectations. C. Mitchell and D. Fam (2020) propose a structure to classify and discuss participants’ preferred outcomes according to three key realms: "situation, knowledge and learning – elaborated as (1) an improvement within the situation or field of inquiry, (2) the generation of relevant stocks and flows of knowledge, including scholarly knowledge and other societal knowledge forms (3) mutual and transformational learning by researchers and research participants to increase the likelihood of persistent change.” This framework helps to make the multitude of envisioned project outcomes explicit and allows for a transparent discussion. It helps to clarify which outcomes are prefered and prioritized by different stakeholders. The outcome spaces framework is ideally used at the beginning of a project to discuss and plan for preferred outcomes at the end, but can equally be used for mid-term evaluations. Mitchell (C.) and Fam (D.). "Outcome spaces framework", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is the outcome spaces framework? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Most significant change
"A story-based, qualitative method for uncovering most significant project impacts experienced by individuals."
The most significant change (MSC) is a technique to engage multiple stakeholders in the participatory monitoring or evaluation of complex interventions, planning processes or projects that aim for societal transformation. The MSC technique uses stories from the field level to explore how project outcomes are evaluated by the different project stakeholders themselves and what they believe societal impact looks like. According D. Wüllscher (2020), the MSC technique promotes "a qualitative, open and participant driven way of identifying outcomes that are relevant to various - maybe highly heterogeneous – actor groups. (...) The most significant changes that are identified may reveal unexpected changes. They can be compared to initial expectations or predefined goals, and, in a subsequent step, serve as a basis for quantitative assessments.” MSC can be used throughout a project (monitoring) as well as at the end of a project (evaluation). Wüllscher recommends applying this method "i) when it is unclear what valued outcomes are; ii) for bottom-up initiatives that do not have predefined outcomes against which to evaluate, and iii) when it is important to align or reconcile the value base or priorities of the programme with that of its addressees.” Wüllscher (D.). "Most significant change", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is the most significant change method? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
TRANS-PED workshop outlines
In this part of the toolbox we offer step-by-step workshop outlines that combine different co-production tools (cfr. part 3 of the Toolbox) and have been designed specifically in the context of different TRANS-PED work packages. We do not envision this toolbox as a finished product, but rather as a guide for a co-creative process that wille continue to evolve with the TRANS-PED project. During the upcoming TRANS-PED work packages (WP3 Embedding, WP4 Assessing & WP5 Upscaling), especially this 4th part of the Toolbox will keep on being updated and complemented.
TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop
TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop
Participatory mapping of a PED’s energy system, stakeholder landscape and other metabolic flows.
During this workshop, different types of expertise and experiences are brought together to explore a PED project’s energy system, stakeholder landscape and other metabolic flows. A variety of PED stakeholders gather around 3 different thematic tables that are mixed up during 2 subsequent discussion rounds, to collectively map, visualize and discuss different dimensions that are crucial to understand the project’s potential as an aspiring PED, and to co-produce knowledge for on selected aspects of a PED project in the context of Work Package 3 (TRANS-PED WP3 Embedding, case-study matrix). The workshop methodology is designed not only to facilitate co-creation on a PED level (by allowing for the emergence of PED specific research concerns), but equally to facilitate TRANS-PED knowledge co-production. The workshop is specifically designed in the context of TRANS-PED WP3, and intended to harvest data and co-produce knowledge on selected aspects of a PED project, more specifically about energy and other metabolic flows and about PED stakeholder landscapes (cfr. TRANS-PED WP3 Embedding, case-study matrix). DOWNLOAD the step-by-step workshop outline
What is the TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop? How does this workshop fit into the TRANS-PED project? How does it work?
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
Toolboxreferences
This final part of the toolbox collects references to inspiring literature on Participatory Action Research and other relevant toolboxes to aim to co-create sustainable and inclusive urban energy systems.
Toolbox references
REFERENCES
General PAR references
Other relevant toolboxes
Contact
Tessa Boeykens - Confluences tessa@cocreate.brussels Dieter Bruggeman - VUB Dieter.Bruggeman@vub.be Griet Juwet - VUB Griet.Juwet@vub.be https://trans-ped.eu/
TRANS-PED co-production toolbox
Confluences
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Transcript
CO-PRODUCTION TOOLBOX
Update February 2022
Co-creating Urban Transformative capacity through Participatory Action Research
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
Interactive symbols
extra information
reference
INTRODUCTION TO THE TOOLBOX
external link
It can be defined as “the collaborative production of scientifically and socially relevant knowledge, transformative action and new social relations”. TRANS-PED is rooted in hands-on urban energy practices in Stockholm, Lund, Brussels, Tyrol and Graz. The project offers a space for reflection and interaction for researchers and practitioners, as a platform to co-produce knowledge about transforming urban energy systems, based on the comparison of PED characteristics and approaches in these specific contexts. Setting up such a process of knowledge co-production requires a shared methodological approach. The Belgian project partners VUB and Confluences have therefore developed a co-production methodology based on participatory action research principles to be applied >>
The TRANS-PED project aims to develop urban transformative capacity for the deep and holistic transformation of urban energy systems. It proposes a Participatory Action Research approach (PAR) to co-produce knowledge that can support the development of Positive Energy Districts and Neighbourhoods (PEDs). The use of PAR makes it possible to maximally mobilize the (different types of) knowledge and experience of the TRANS-PED consortium and its partners to deepen our understanding of the relatively recent PED concept and the many dimensions it involves. Participatory action research is based on the idea that by engaging a variety of stakeholders in trying to change a local situation, we gain a deeper understanding thereof, and that learning and knowledge co-production can take place.
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The resulting toolbox consists of five main parts. In the first part we have set out a TRANS-PED framework or research infrastructure to facilitate knowledge co-production between the different project partners and participating PEDs. This co-production framework takes the form of an overview of different types of TRANS-PED actors, project levels and types of knowledge co-production that can take place during the project. In the second part, we present a general introduction to Participatory Action Research (PAR) in 10 principles that underlie the TRANS-PED co-productive research infrastructure. These principles served as input for PED dialogues on co-production with different project partners, of which a synopsis is equally included in this part of the toolbox. We conclude with a set of guiding questions for PAR practitioners to push TRANSPED-actors further while engaging multiple stakeholders in the research project. >>
throughout the TRANS-PED project phases: WP3 (Embedding), WP4 (Assessing) and WP5 (Upscaling). This co-production methodology is designed as a ‘Co-production toolbox’ to guide the TRANS-PED partners in the organisation of multi-stakeholder engagements in each PED (PED-level), and to the transversal comparison activities of the TRANS-PED project as a whole (TRANS-PED level). One of the most basic principles of Participatory Action Research is to move away from externally led, top-down (academic) interventions and let meaningful research practices, tools and methods emerge from the specific research context. In that spirit, the decision was taken to develop not just a co-production toolbox, but a toolbox that to a certain extent is also co-produced by the different project partners and rooted into the unique context and challenges of the (aspiring) PEDs participating in this project.
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Discover theToolbox
Throughout the project and the upcoming work packages, the toolbox will therefore keep on being complemented and updated, especially its third and fourth part. Apart from TRANS-PED project partners, we hope that the toolbox can also be of use to other academics and practitioners with an interest in co-creating sustainable and inclusive urban energy systems. This toolbox is designed by Tessa Boeykens (tessa@cocreate.brussels) from Confluences, and Griet Juwet (Griet.Juwet@vub.be) and Dieter Bruggeman (Dieter.Bruggeman@vub.be) from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. If you have any questions or remarks on the document or its contents, feel free to contact them. Illustrations are made by Claire Allard from Klär.graphics. //
In the third part of the toolbox, you will find a preliminary selection of tools to bring together different PED stakeholders and facilitate knowledge co-production for sustainable change in cities. In the fourth part of the toolbox, some of these tools are combined into TRANS-PED workshop outlines that are specifically designed in the context of the project's different work packages. The final part of the toolbox collects references to inspiring PAR literture and other relavant toolboxes. We hope that this toolbox can become meaningful and useful for every project partner. In that sense, it is important to highlight that we do not envision this toolbox as a finished product, but rather as a guide for a co-creative process that will continue to evolve with the TRANS-PED project.
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CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
Return to toolbox
TRANS-PED research infrastructure
In this first part of the toolbox, we have set out a TRANS-PED framework or research infrastructure to facilitate knowledge co-production between the different project partners and participating PEDs. This co-production framework takes the form of an overview of different types of TRANS-PED actors, project levels and types of knowledge co-production that can take place during the project.
TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Return to the Toolbox overview
TRANS-PED RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
This co-production framework takes the form of an overview of the different types of TRANS-PED actors, project levels and types of knowledge co-production that can take place during the project. We have also included a short account on how the TRANS-PED research infrastructure is put into practice in work package 3 (embedding). //
Part I of this toolbox sets out the research infrastructure to facilitate knowledge co-production between the different project partners and participating PEDs in the TRANS-PED project. The aim of this research infrastructure is to create a working environment and methodology which enables the collaboration between multiple project partners, thereby integrating a heterogeneity of knowledges and experiences. Challenges are identified collaboratively and innovative pathways for the realization of PED projects are elaborated and implemented. By joining forces across disciplines, projects, nations and actor types, the framework aims to achieve comprehensive and widespread sustainable transformations in which local experiments are turned into long-term systemic change.
DOWNLOAD PDF: TRANS-PED research infrastructure
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CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
An introduction to Participatory Action Research
In the second part of the toolbox, we present a general introduction to Participatory Action Research (PAR) in 10 principles that underlie the TRANS-PED co-production research infrastructure presented Part I of the toolbox. These principles served as input for PED dialogues on co-production with different project partners, of which a synopsis is equally included in this part of the toolbox. We conclude with a set of guiding questions for PAR practitioners to push TRANSPED-actors further while engaging multiple stakeholders in the research project.
PAR - 10 key principles
PED dialogues on co-production
Guiding questions for PAR practitioners
Return to part 2of the Toolbox
PAR - 10 KEY PRINCIPLES
issue that is being studied and intends to result in concrete action, change or innovation on the issue that is being explored. PAR is not a research methodology; it is an approach to doing research, a design or a strategy. Also, there is no blueprint or a ‘proper’ way of doing PAR: every context is different, and every PAR process will therefore be different. In this part of the toolbox, we introduce PAR based on 10 key principles that help us to (re-)imagine how co-creative research could look like. //
The TRANS-PED project aims to develop urban transformative capacity for the deep and holistic transformation of urban energy systems. It proposes a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to co-produce knowledge that can support the development of Positive Energy Districts and Neighbourhoods (PEDs). TRANS-PED is rooted in hands-on urban energy practices in Stockholm, Lund, Brussels, Tyrol and Graz. Through its focus on the collaboration between multiple stakeholders, reflexivity and learning, and real-world interventions, participatory action research is a key approach to co-produce integrated and practice-relevant knowledge about and for PEDs, and to foster urban transformative capacity among PED stakeholders. PAR is a collaborative way of doing research and co-producing knowledge by bringing together a diversity of stakeholders around a concrete issue and research question(s) that directly concern or affect them. PAR is shaped and driven by the people that have a stake in the
DOWNLOAD PDF: Participatory Action Research - 10 Key Principles
ONLINE version: Participatory Action Research- 10 Key Principles
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What could a PAR project look like?
PAR - 10 KEY PRINCIPLES
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PED DIALOGUES ON CO-PRODUCTION
- their experiences with participation trajectories, PAR and co-creation
- what tools they use or would find useful to engage different stakeholder groups
- the possibilities but also challenges and pragmatics of mobilizing a PAR approach both internally on a PED project level, and on a TRANS-PED level
After these so-called PED dialogues, we have adapted the toolbox to the specific context of the TRANS-PED project and the needs of the different project partners. This part of the toolbox presents a summary of these intial conversations with the PED project stakeholders. //One of the basic principles of Participatory Action Research is to move away from externally led, top-down (academic) interventions and let meaningful research practices, tools and methods emerge from the specific research context. In that spirit, the decision was taken to develop not just a co-production toolbox, but a toolbox that to a certain extent is also co-produced by the different project partners and rooted into the unique context and challenges of the (aspiring) PEDs participating in this project. As a first step in the development of the toolbox, the project partners VUB and Confluences layed out some basic principles and definitions of co-creation and PAR in what was termed the ‘co-production toolbox 1.0’. This set of principles has served as input for an initial round of discussion with different work package leaders and PED coordinators in June 2021 to dialogue about:
DOWNLOAD PDF: "PED dialogues on co-production"
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GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR PAR PRACTITIONERS
contexts of their PED projects, but also on how these questions can guide knowledge co-production and multiple stakeholder involvement on a TRANS-PED level. The guiding questions relate to the following topics :
In this second part of the toolbox, we have first presented a general introduction to Participatory Action Research (PAR) in 10 principles. To make things more concrete and operational, these principles are accompanied by a set of guiding questions that TRANS-PED actors can ask themselves while engaging multiple stakeholders in the research project. This part of the toolbox is based on first-hand experiences and insights from the TRANS-PED co-production partner Confluences (www.confluences.eu) in developing and implementing different forms of co-creative processes and PAR trajectories, in particular in the areas of social innovation, sustainable transformations and urban resilience. We invite the TRANS-PED project partners to reflect on how these generic questions might be translated to the specific
DOWNLOAD PDF: "Guiding questions for PAR practitioners"
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CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
Co-production tools
The third part of the toolbox is the most hands-on and practical. Here you will find a selection of relevant tools to engage multiple stakeholders in the design of a research project, facilitate knowledge co-production and collaboratively define research impact and its evaluation. In the fourth part of the toolbox, some of these tools are combined into TRANS-PED workshop outlines that are specifically designed in the context of the project's different work packages.
Co-production tools
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLS
RESEARCH CO-DESIGN
Engaging multiple stakeholders in the design of your research project: alligning interests, defining roles and managing expectations.
KNOWLEDGE CO-PRODUCTION
Bringing together different types of expertise around a shared research interest and learning from each other.
IMPACT & EVALUATION
Engaging multiple stakeholders in defining and planning meaningful research impact, societal transformation and its evaluation.
Return to tools
RESEARCH CO-DESIGN
Stakeholder mapping/matrix
Actor constellation
Timeline
Return to 'Research co-design'' tools
Stakeholder mapping/matrix
Identifying, analyzing and mobilizing a multiple-stakeholder landscape
This tool helps to identify (potential) stakeholders that are (not yet) involved in a project or research process. It entails the grouping of stakeholders into categories (legislative and executive power, public bodies, private organisations, users, etc.), relate them to each other, and analyse them along a diversity of potential parameters; their degree of influence on the (research) project, how much they are affected by the issue that that is being studied, the relevance of their knowledge/skills, etc. Based on this initial stakeholder analysis, the SynCity project (2021) proposes an additional "commoning matrix" to develop mutual understanding between the different groups and move towards stakeholder-inclusive planning and the formation of urban commons. To identify, analyze and engage the multi-stakeholder landscape that is relavant for your (research) project. To engage multiple stakeholders in the design of your research project: alligning interests, defining roles and managing expectations. TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop: a combination of stakeholder mapping/matrix, multi-stakeholder discussion groups and participatory mapping Chevalier (J.) and Buckles (D.J.), Handbook for PAR, Planning and Evaluation, SAS2 Dialogue, Ottawa, 2013, p.75-89. Ivanceanu (I.), Pfeifer (R.) and Dobre (C.)(eds.), “Cooperate. A handbook to co-create urban commons", Bibliothek der Provinz, Austria, 2021, p.126-140.
What is a stakeholder mapping/matrix? Why should this be applied? How does it work?
Actor constellation
"A role-play for identifying the relevance of various involved actors for tackling a specific research question."
During this role-play, a variety of scientific and societal actors that are directly concerned with a research project, are visually/spatially represented around central research questions, domains or interests. The positioning of each actor in relation to specific research interests, helps to explore her/his role and relevance in the project. Collaborative research projects are often characterized by relatively large consortia where different team members may hold implicit assumptions about the relevance or potential contribution of others. This role play is a great way to get to know each other and to make underlying assumptions explicit. It also allows for a common exploration and joint deliberation of everyone's contribution to and position within the project. Actor constellation role-play should be done early in the project, when the team is being formed and try to articulate shared research interests. Pohl (C.) "Actor constellation", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is an actor constellation? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Timeline
"A story-based, qualitative method for retrospectively assembling crucial events in a collective process."
The timeline method allows different stakeholders to look back at a how they perceived a collaborative project or a process of knowledge co-production. It uses storytelling and visualization to move towards a shared understanding of a project trajectory and retrospectively trace project milestones, significant events, work packages, challenges or observed changes. Delineate the process you want to reconstruct, draw a simple timeline on an empty poster and invite individual participants to mark major process phases or key moments. Different participants may have experienced things differently and will therefore stress different elements on the timeline. Find out what has been important for whom and why to increase mutual understanding and move towards a joint project story. Besides retrospection, the timeline method can also be used as a participatory planning tool, to facilitate project co-design or to engage new stakeholders in an on-going project. Storywalls are normally made at the end of group processes, but can also be used to create shared understandings during the project (co-)design and planning phase. Wülser (G.). "Storywall", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020. Chevalier (J.) and Buckles (D.J.), Handbook for PAR, Planning and Evaluation, SAS2 Dialogue, Ottawa, 2013, p.59.
What is the timeline method? When should it be applied? How does it work?
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLS
RESEARCH CO-DESIGN
Engaging multiple stakeholders in the design of your research project: alligning interests, defining roles and managing expectations.
KNOWLEDGE CO-PRODUCTION
Bringing together different types of expertise around a shared research interest and learning from each other.
IMPACT & EVALUATION
Engaging multiple stakeholders in defining and planning meaningful research impact, societal transformation and its evaluation.
KNOWLEDGE CO-PRODUCTION
Venn diagram tool
Boundary critique
Stakeholder discussion group
The walkshop
Photovoice
Participatory mapping
Return to 'Knowledgeco-production' tools
Venn diagram tool
"A diagram for forming groups around joint topics based on participants’ background, expertise, and interest."
TRANS-PED aims to bring together a variety of stakeholders and different types of expertise about transforming urban energy systems. The Venn diagram variation proposed by B. Pearce (2020) provides a template to identify each participant's expertise (e.g. background, discipline, interest) in relation to emerging shared research concerns. The Venn diagram consists of different overlapping circles representing different and potentially overlapping research topics. Based on their area of expertise and their research interests, participants situate themselves on the diagram to 1) reveal the different types of knowledge and expertise within the research group, to 2) cluster themselves around shared research interests and to 3) identify topics for knowledge co-production. The Venn diagram tool brings together different types of expertise around shared research interests and allows participants to learn from each other. This tool can be used during an early multi-stakeholder workshop in order to get to know each other, articulate shared research interests and organize the consortium in smaller working groups. Pearce (B.) "Venn diagram tool", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is the Venn diagram tool? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Boundary critique
"A set of questions to support non-experts in critically challenging an expert’s suggested solution to a problem and the solution’s social and ecological implications."
Boundary critique exposes an ‘expert' view and practice to multiple 'non-expert' stakeholder views in defining a problem and exploring meaningful solutions. The "emancipatory boundary critique" variation proposed by C. Pohl (2020), consists of a set of questions "to empower non-experts to uncover normative assumptions underlying an expert’s solution to a problem along with the solution’s social and ecological implications.” Boundary critique resonates well within a PAR trajectory, as it entails repeated cycles of co-learning and re-examining taken for granted sollutions. In uncovering a sollution's underlying assumptions and consequences, the ‘expert’ can be considered as much a lay person as the ‘non-expert’. In other words, co-producing meaningful knowledge entails discussing and deciding upon a sollution's underlying assumptions with all actors who are directly concerned with its potential consequences. This method can be used to engage multiple stakeholders in challenging a specific solution to a problem as soon as this is being developed. Pohl (C.) "Emancipatory boundary critique", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is emancipatory boundary critique? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Stakeholder discussion group
Bringing together different types of expertise and experiences to co-produce new knowledge
Stakeholder discussion groups open up a space where researchers and actors from civil society, as well as the private and the public sector come together to take part in a process of knowledge co-production by exchanging experiences and bringing in their own expertise. This method involves multiple stakeholders in the development and implementation of a (research) project without necessarily engaging them as full project or research partners. Facilitated discussion groups put into place the unique conditions for the expression of different perspectives and the exchange experiences on an equal footing. To bring together different types of expertise and experiences to explore a specific research topic or to engage stakeholders that are not yet involved enough in the project. Multi-stakeholder discussion groups can tackle specific research questions or challenge preliminary results, but can equally be organized at the beginning of a project to allow for the emergence of shared research interests among the different participants. TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop: a combination of multi-stakeholder discussion groups with other tools for knowledge co-production Fry (P.) "Multi-stakeholder discussion group", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is a "stakeholder discussion group"? Why and when should it be applied? How does this work?
The walkshop
"An in-situ tour where the narratives of local stakeholders meet those of planning experts."
This method is particularly suited to co-produce new knowledge about complex urban areas characterized by a high density of development plans and (potential) gentrification. The walkshop aims at bringing together stakeholders with different types of knowledge (e.g. city planners, local residents, users) to learn from each other by physically entering the space to which the research and/or development project relates. This method consists of a tour with multiple discussion stops where local stakeholders can present their space-related practices within their own words and from their point of view to support informal dialogue. According to the SynCity project (2021), a walkshop "enables participants to get the user experience of a space and relate it to future real estate development plans", "it allows planning experts to transform and democratise their narratives", and "ensures that communication methods used by experts (e. g. blueprints, models and presentations tools) do not 'dominate' stakeholders with lay knowledge.” After completing a site-diagnostic and stakeholder mapping. SynCity, “Engage. 11 methods + apply 10 tools", Bibliothek der Provinz, Austria, 2021, card 03.
What is a walkshop? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Photovoice
“A visual method to integrate the perspective of local residents and users into urban transformation processes.”
Photovoice can bring in new insights and perspectives by inviting residents and users to reflect about the impact that a urban planning project has or might have on their lives. Local stakeholders explore urban phenomena from their point of view by photographing scenes related to a specific research concern. These photographs are then used to facilitate multi-stakeholder discussion groups where participants share their photos and provide narratives about their relation to the neighbourhood and its development. According to a photo interview variation by the SynCity project (2021), this method "opens a dialogue with 'formal experts', as opposed to other methods where researchers decide about the relevant topics." Local residents and users become active research partners as they contribute their ideas and different types of knowledge and expertise to a planning process. Visual materials resulting from this process can also be a way of communicating research results towards different audiences, including the neighbourhood itself, city developers or decision-makers. This is a method for knowledge co-production during the field research phase. At the end of the project, you can also organise a photo exhibition and invite local authorities or policy makers. SynCity, “Engage. 11 methods + apply 10 tools", Bibliothek der Provinz, Austria, 2021, card 05.
What is photovoice? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Participatory mapping
A visual method to explore multiple-stakeholder trajectories, activities and flows in a defined space.
Inviting (often) non-mapping specialists to participate in the co-construction of a map; either online, with the help of software or with participants physically gathered around a printed map. Invite participants to visualize their experiences or what they know about a certain territory or urban phenomena on a geographical map or aerial photograph. If you want to draw more on the participant's own perception or representation of space, you can also start from a blank paper or even ask them to develop mental maps. Participatory mapping allows for the representation of local knowledge about a specific area and opens up possibilities for the transformation of a public space. This visual method can be used to facilitate multi-stakeholder discussion groups, but can also be a preparatory step for organising a field visit or a 'walkshop'. TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop: participatory mapping of urban energy systems and stakeholder landscapes SynCity, “Engage. 11 methods + apply 10 tools", Bibliothek der Provinz, Austria, 2021, card 07.
What is participatory mapping? Why and when should it be applied? How does it work?
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLS
RESEARCH CO-DESIGN
Engaging multiple stakeholders in the design of your research project: alligning interests, defining roles and managing expectations.
KNOWLEDGE CO-PRODUCTION
Bringing together different types of expertise around a shared research interest and learning from each other.
IMPACT & EVALUATION
Engaging multiple stakeholders in defining and planning meaningful research impact, societal transformation and its evaluation.
IMPACT & EVALUATION
Outcome spaces framework
Most significant change
Return to 'impact &evaluation' tools
Outcome spaces framework
"A framework to plan for preferred outcomes in transdisciplinary projects."
This framework is used to engage multiple stakeholders in defining and planning the preferred outcomes of a transdisciplinary project. Different actors participate in collaborative projects for different reasons and with different expectations. C. Mitchell and D. Fam (2020) propose a structure to classify and discuss participants’ preferred outcomes according to three key realms: "situation, knowledge and learning – elaborated as (1) an improvement within the situation or field of inquiry, (2) the generation of relevant stocks and flows of knowledge, including scholarly knowledge and other societal knowledge forms (3) mutual and transformational learning by researchers and research participants to increase the likelihood of persistent change.” This framework helps to make the multitude of envisioned project outcomes explicit and allows for a transparent discussion. It helps to clarify which outcomes are prefered and prioritized by different stakeholders. The outcome spaces framework is ideally used at the beginning of a project to discuss and plan for preferred outcomes at the end, but can equally be used for mid-term evaluations. Mitchell (C.) and Fam (D.). "Outcome spaces framework", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is the outcome spaces framework? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
Most significant change
"A story-based, qualitative method for uncovering most significant project impacts experienced by individuals."
The most significant change (MSC) is a technique to engage multiple stakeholders in the participatory monitoring or evaluation of complex interventions, planning processes or projects that aim for societal transformation. The MSC technique uses stories from the field level to explore how project outcomes are evaluated by the different project stakeholders themselves and what they believe societal impact looks like. According D. Wüllscher (2020), the MSC technique promotes "a qualitative, open and participant driven way of identifying outcomes that are relevant to various - maybe highly heterogeneous – actor groups. (...) The most significant changes that are identified may reveal unexpected changes. They can be compared to initial expectations or predefined goals, and, in a subsequent step, serve as a basis for quantitative assessments.” MSC can be used throughout a project (monitoring) as well as at the end of a project (evaluation). Wüllscher recommends applying this method "i) when it is unclear what valued outcomes are; ii) for bottom-up initiatives that do not have predefined outcomes against which to evaluate, and iii) when it is important to align or reconcile the value base or priorities of the programme with that of its addressees.” Wüllscher (D.). "Most significant change", td-net toolbox for co-producing knowledge, 2020.
What is the most significant change method? Why should it be applied? When should it be applied? How does it work?
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
TRANS-PED workshop outlines
In this part of the toolbox we offer step-by-step workshop outlines that combine different co-production tools (cfr. part 3 of the Toolbox) and have been designed specifically in the context of different TRANS-PED work packages. We do not envision this toolbox as a finished product, but rather as a guide for a co-creative process that wille continue to evolve with the TRANS-PED project. During the upcoming TRANS-PED work packages (WP3 Embedding, WP4 Assessing & WP5 Upscaling), especially this 4th part of the Toolbox will keep on being updated and complemented.
TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop
TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop
Participatory mapping of a PED’s energy system, stakeholder landscape and other metabolic flows.
During this workshop, different types of expertise and experiences are brought together to explore a PED project’s energy system, stakeholder landscape and other metabolic flows. A variety of PED stakeholders gather around 3 different thematic tables that are mixed up during 2 subsequent discussion rounds, to collectively map, visualize and discuss different dimensions that are crucial to understand the project’s potential as an aspiring PED, and to co-produce knowledge for on selected aspects of a PED project in the context of Work Package 3 (TRANS-PED WP3 Embedding, case-study matrix). The workshop methodology is designed not only to facilitate co-creation on a PED level (by allowing for the emergence of PED specific research concerns), but equally to facilitate TRANS-PED knowledge co-production. The workshop is specifically designed in the context of TRANS-PED WP3, and intended to harvest data and co-produce knowledge on selected aspects of a PED project, more specifically about energy and other metabolic flows and about PED stakeholder landscapes (cfr. TRANS-PED WP3 Embedding, case-study matrix). DOWNLOAD the step-by-step workshop outline
What is the TRANS-PED WP3 co-production workshop? How does this workshop fit into the TRANS-PED project? How does it work?
CO-PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX
2 · Introduction to Participatory Action Research
1 · TRANS-PED research infrastructure
Introduction to the Toolbox
3 · Co-production tools
4 · TRANS-PED workshop outlines
5 · Toolbox references
Toolboxreferences
This final part of the toolbox collects references to inspiring literature on Participatory Action Research and other relevant toolboxes to aim to co-create sustainable and inclusive urban energy systems.
Toolbox references
REFERENCES
General PAR references
Other relevant toolboxes
Contact
Tessa Boeykens - Confluences tessa@cocreate.brussels Dieter Bruggeman - VUB Dieter.Bruggeman@vub.be Griet Juwet - VUB Griet.Juwet@vub.be https://trans-ped.eu/