Does knowledge co-production influence adaptive capacity?: A framework for evaluation

Climate change impacts vary depending on social and biophysical vulnerabilities, and the ability of society to respond, resist, or adapt to change/stress (i.e. adaptive capacity). In the field of climate science, funding for applied and engaged research is growing rapidly. Variously termed ‘knowledge co-production,’ ‘collaborative,’ ‘convergent,’ or ‘transdisciplinary’ research is hoped to improve outcomes in complex and dynamic social-ecological systems. Collaborative processes like knowledge co-production (KCP) may enhance adaptive capacity by facilitating social learning and engaging diverse worldviews. However, to date there is limited evaluation connecting processes of KCP to indicators of adaptive capacity. We use an interdisciplinary research approach to determine measurable dimensions of adaptive capacity and iterate between adaptive capacity and KCP literatures to expand the dimensions to more effectively encompass processes, outcomes, and associations. We also identify a gap related to identity and relationality and include this as a new dimension of adaptive capacity. Lastly, we present a new framework to evaluate the efficacy of engaged research, aimed at enhancing the adaptive capacity of individuals and groups, we call it the Wheel. We also share how the Wheel can be tailored to various contexts and makes strides to weave in power and different ways of knowing, although there is room to expand consideration of these elements. • Through interdisciplinary research, we developed a framework to evaluate if knowledge co-production builds adaptive capacity. • We incorporated “identity and relationality” as an adaptive capacity dimension to better reflect diverse knowledge systems. • We addressed the tensions between the framework’s transferability and context-adaptability, highlighting the need to address power dynamics. • Our framework can be tailored and operationalized to specific contexts.