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Planning and conducting co-design
„The co-design phase for the MeerWissen projects has two dimensions: it aims to build/support a partnership (of equals) among researchers for the implementation of a project, and orient the project towards the needs of local actors by engaging them. Researchers and non-academic stakeholders jointly develop a „partnership project“.“ Detailed Guidance to Co-Design → here.
Joint vision and common understanding
“A vision is a positive mental image of the future … A shared vision can be developed through a group exercise that encourages people to think broadly and idealistically about the project outcomes.” (Thom, 1997)
STEP 1: Develop a (rough) project idea
STEP 2: Analyse the framework conditions where the research takes place
STEP 3: Collaboratively define a positive joint vision for the project
Stakeholder Engagement
“Engaging stakeholders as early as possible in the research […] can increase the likelihood that research meets the needs and priorities of stakeholders, […].” (Durham et al, 2014)
STEP 1: Identify all potential stakeholders
STEP 2: Understand stakeholders, their motivation, and their relationship towards the project
STEP 3: Analyse or map stakeholders to prioritize: who is relevant?
STEP 4: Early stakeholder engagement during co-design
STEP 5: Plan for stakeholder engagement during project implementation
Project and partnership management
“Partnerships with respect for the interests and limitations of other partners last longer, work more efficiently, and create more resilience to overcome inevitable partnership stress productively.” Research Fairness Initiative (RFI) Reporting Guide (2020)
STEP 1: Trust- and team-building
STEP 2: Schedule time to talk about project and partnership management
STEP 3: Identify roles and responsibilities in your partnership
STEP 4: Exchange about communication and decision-making
STEP 5: Compare, listen, and discuss
STEP 6: Come to an agreement and put it into writing
STEP 7: Boost joint learning in your partnership
Sustainability
“The short-term nature of […] partnerships often leads to loss of existing achievements, particularly in the South, with capacities left unused and researchers migrating away in search of other employment opportunities (brain drain). […]” KFPR (2018)
STEP 1: Invest in the creation of well-working and equitable partnerships
STEP 2: Schedule time to talk about project and partnership management
STEP 3: Ensure relevance to stakeholders and communities in which research is done
STEP 4: Encourage sustainability and equity in financing (budgets, purchasing and maintenance)
STEP 5: Share benefits: ensure data, information and material is shared and intellectual property is respected
STEP 6: Minimise adverse environmental, social and cultural impact
STEP 7: Secure outcomes and plan for dissemination and uptake
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