This issue of Public Health Research & Practice focuses on improving the
co-production of research. It draws on experiences across Australia and
internationally to examine what is occurring, who is leading the way, and what
still needs to be done.
Co-production of research is generally defined as collaboration at all
stages of the research process between diverse stakeholders to undertake
research.1
There are many forms of collaborative research practices, and
definitions abound, as discussed by Vargas and colleagues in this issue.2
While these definitional issues are important, it is equally important to engage
with the practice of co-production as it is not an abstract activity. It is deeply
connected with trying to ensure that the views of individuals, communities,
service providers and other interested stakeholders are visible in the content
and process of research. As long as this is the intent, the term used to
describe the process is not the most significant issue, provided the process is
clearly described so that the reader can judge the authenticity of stakeholder
engagement.
Importantly, this issue offers an opportunity to reflect on the practice of
co-producing research as it becomes more mature and widespread. For
example, there is a risk, as with the acceptance, adoption and spread of any
new principle in practice, that it becomes simplified into rigid protocols. This
may add some rigour and consistency, but it may also increase the resources
required and decrease its responsiveness to the particular circumstances of
individual studies. Perhaps most importantly, it risks ‘hitting the target’ while
‘missing the point’.
As the articles in this issue show, the greatest value of co-production
lies in recognising and adapting to the research topic, the context, and the
needs and priorities of service users, communities and services. This can
enable research to answer questions that would otherwise not be identified or
possible.