Co-production definitions

[Adrian Barker]

The National Co-production Critical Friends Group (see the Resources section for briefing on the group) recently discussed definitions of co-production.  We were asked to supply definitions in advance and there were some really interesting and useful ideas (hopefully someone might post them up here as well?).  The group almost came up with a definition (which I thought was pretty impressive, doing that by committee!) and I think that will be publicised more fully in due course.

When I was thinking about it I got a bit carried away and wrote a mini-essay with accompanying diagrams.  I've been asked to post it up here in case it's of interest to anyone.  I'm afraid it's a bit theoretical, but here it is in case anyone finds it helpful.

Definition%20of%20Co%20Production%20-%20Adrian%20Barker.doc

Components%20of%20coproduction%20concept%20CFG.ppt

[Sarah Lyall]

Thanks for sharing, Adrian! I think your theoretical work is very helpful for understanding the development of co-production and the different approaches taken to defining it as a concept, and for practice.

I wonder what others think of your tentative suggestion that 'co-production' as a term be applied fairly narrowly, but with a complementary larger concept that 'incorporates all of the ways in which individuals and the public contribute to outcomes', referred to by some other designation such as ‘social production’ or ‘social participation’..?

Anybody else been thinking about this too?

Sarah