How can we govern cities differently? The promise and practices of co-production

By Beth Perry, Catherine Durose, Liz Richardson and The Action Research Collective

National Co-Production Week sees the launch of research findings on the promise and practices of co-production in governing cities differently.  The Jam and Justice research project looked at what is needed to connect decision-makers, civil society and citizens (‘the jam’), involving those usually excluded from such processes to address urban issues (‘justice’).

The research was co-designed between three Universities (Sheffield, Manchester and Birmingham), a VCSE membership organisation (GMCVO), and an Action Research Collective (ARC), made up of people recruited from diverse walks of life.

The ARC developed ten small-scale action research projects.  Each project looked at a distinct urban issue: for example, how energy is produced for cities, how public money could be spent to produce more social value, how people could be better supported to live a good life in their own homes, and what new roles local politicians could play to work even more productively with communities. We also explored routes to participation for women, people who feel disconnected from formal politics, and younger people. 

Our report  out today, How can we govern cities differently? Thepromise and practices of co-production identifies seven practices of co-production.  These include: designing for openness, shaping the dynamics of participation, blending expertise, humanising experiences, linking voice and values, connecting with formal policy and decision-making and holding the process.

The report cautions that there is no simple ‘fix’ or method for co-production.  But it has potential to contribute to transformative changes, such as shifting imaginations about the possible.

‘Jam’ needs ‘justice’, we conclude, ‘if co-production is to address the big urban challenges of our time.

To realise the promise of co-production, without replicating its pitfalls, requires widespread cultural change, different kinds of leadership and institutional reform.

Download the report here, and find out more about our work by visiting our website: jamandjustice-org.uk. You can also contact us by emailing b.perry@sheffield.ac.uk.

If you’re reading from Greater Manchester, get in touch to find out how you can join the community of practice around co-production in the city-region to #CoProduceGM.