Collaborative research that addresses societal challenges

The theme of the anthology

The theme of this research anthology is co-created research that addresses societal challenges in innovative ways. Co-creation refers to researchers and other societal actors jointly developing new knowledge and solutions. “Social actors” refers to both individual residents, service users, staff, and others, as well as organizations from civil society, the business sector, or the public sector. To be considered co-creation, these actors must be actively involved in multiple stages of the research process. 

The theme of this anthology is highly topical, as collaboration between academia and the surrounding community is called for in both Swedish and European research policy in order to better address complex societal challenges such as poor health, poverty, segregation, climate change, and more. Co-creation is also believed to contribute to enhancing the quality, relevance, and impact of research. At the same time, there are several challenges in co-creation research that are urgent to discuss and address, such as the time and resources required for meaningful exchange, power relations between researchers and societal actors (as well as within these groups), the conditions for the participation of people in vulnerable situations, and the balancing act with regard to the statutory freedom of research.

Proposed chapter

A total of 32 chapter proposals were received from a wide range of researchers across various disciplines and institutions, 14 of whom were invited to submit full chapter drafts. The anthology welcomed proposals for chapters presenting current research relevant to the anthology’s main theme. Proposals may have an empirical or theoretical focus, with critical or affirmative perspectives. They may range from case studies to literature reviews and focus on methods, theories, partnerships, Theory of Change other topics. Proposals may be grounded in any academic discipline—such as the social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, arts, technology, and medicine—including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches. The lead author of the chapter must be a researcher affiliated with a Swedish university or college. Co-authors may be researchers or other societal actors, and innovative collaborations are particularly welcome.