Co-production

What is co-production?

The definition of co-production varies and does not encompass one set process. Instead, co-production is a way of working, a genuine partnership with shared responsibilities and everyone’s views and experiences being valuable.

When we speak about co-producing a research project, it means researchers, practitioners and the public working together as a team from the very start to the end of the project, from setting the agenda and defining the research questions to the generation of knowledge.

Co-production helps ground the research practice and keep it people-centred.

What are the principles of co-production?

There are five key principles of co-production:

• sharing of power
• including all perspectives and skills
• respecting and valuing the knowledge of all those working together on the research
• reciprocity
• building and maintaining relationships

These principles are central to the design and delivery of relevant, high quality co-produced research.

More information on the key principles and good practical examples of co-production in healthcare can be found in our guidance and resources. Take a look at them below.