Successful co-production
Involving relevant people in research and innovation is an effective way to ensure research impact and provides an opportunity for researchers to engage with and learn from others affected by and interested in the proposed project.
Wider involvement in designing and conducting research can confirm that the project best addresses the needs of individuals and communities. It can also ensure that different forms of knowledge, experience and expertise are valued and used throughout the research process from the earliest stages.
Accountability and power
Co-production may raise complex ethical considerations around responsibility, accountability and power since it can blur the lines between the researcher and the participant, or other stakeholders. All partners should consider such issues in advance and establish clear lines of responsibility and accountability.
It is a good idea for each partner to discuss motivations and expectations about what they can bring to the project or be involved in.
Researchers and innovators should follow the principles of equitable partnerships to address inherent power imbalances when working with partners. Also consider at the outset how you intend to manage any tensions between competing interests and goals.
Organisational culture
Co-production often includes academic and wider partners who may come from a variety of research organisations, countries, industry, charities, policymakers and groups of participants or sections of the general public.
These all may have their own perspectives regarding issues of ethics around their joint research. These differences may be due to organisational culture, training, access to research resources and participant populations. It is important to assess public attitudes towards the project and any perceptions about conflicts of interest.
Ongoing monitoring
Research partners should agree to a progressive and shared process of ethical reflection and regular monitoring while the research is taking place. This will ensure that ethical issues are promptly reported to all organisations involved and appropriate advice sought from a research ethics committee.
It is important to include activities that encourage reflection and negotiation at key points throughout the shared activity. Learning and reflection events with research and innovation partners can be useful to encourage all partners to share and discuss their views, resolve any differences and celebrate achievements together.
Equitable research and innovation partnerships
Partnerships must be transparent and based on mutual respect. There should be a clearly stated understanding of the equitable distribution of resources, responsibilities, efforts and benefits. Partnerships should recognise different inputs, interests and desired outcomes and ensure the ethical sharing and use of data.
Ethics review
The partners should agree a streamlined ethics review process.
Read more about how we support ethical research and innovation
