Stakeholder participation in research projects

Participatory research aims at joint production of knowledge by researchers and local stakeholders and the acquisition of new insights from both perspectives. In recent years - also in development and sustainability research - we have seen the advancement of a multitude of participatory processes and methods. Depending on the purpose, stakeholders can be involved in different ways and in different phases of research projects, including the definition of the research question and hypotheses, the collection and analysis of information, and the reflection and application of research results. Via co-creation between researchers and different groups of stakeholders, diverse types of knowledge (e.g., cognitive, emotional, intuitive, experiential and contextual knowledge) can be mobilized. Importantly, research results can be made more socially relevant. To become an integral and valuable component of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects, these participation processes are carefully designed, implemented and reflected upon, in close cooperation with the local partners and the entire research team.

In essence, ÖFSE designs stakeholder participation processes that serve development and research projects. We use different facilitation, engagement, and co-creation approaches adapted to the specific needs and objectives of each individual project.