Towards effective knowledge co-production and deliberation: developing public engagement competencies among scientists and policymakers

Laggan, Sophie; Fogg-Rogers, Laura; Sardo, Ana Margarida

Abstract

Governments committed to the Paris Agreement are obligated to empower the public to participate in decision-making on climate change. Research shows that higher levels of public engagement (PE) lead to fairer, more inclusive, and socially acceptable policies and outcomes. Yet significant gaps remain between obligation and implementation due to institutional, structural and social-psychological factors faced by policymakers and scientists. This study developed a situated, longitudinal training programme to support decision makers new to PE overcome these challenges. Incorporating learning-by-doing, critical reflection, and social support the programme enabled 19 of 20 participants to gain new knowledge, understanding, and skills related to knowledge co-production and deliberation. Additionally, 30% demonstrated positive changes in PE attitudes and values, and 40% noted behavioural shifts favourable of PE. Competency development was influenced by factors such as programme enjoyment, opportunities for reflection, and perceived suit-ability for PE roles. Just as policies require public acceptance, public participation requires decision-makers acceptance. To further the social acceptance of knowledge co-production and deliberation, increased funding and integration of comprehensive, experiential PE training in institutions and programmes. Pre-and post-programme evaluation is also needed to assess learning, barriers, and pathways to ethical knowledge co-production and deliberation.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 5, 2025
• Online Publication Date: May 26, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 28, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 28, 2025
• Journal: Environment, Development and Sustainability
• Print ISSN: 1387-585X
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-2975
• Publisher: Springer (part of Springer Nature)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-025-06324-y
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14471457
• Additional Information: Received: 16 September 2024; Accepted: 5 May 2025; First Online: 23 May 2025; : ; : The authors declare there to be no conflicts of interest with respect to this research.