Aligning values and priorities through collaborative action research: an opportunity to connect, co-create and achieve the SDGs

Social value is a practical vehicle for realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within built environment processes. Research and practice in this space recognises co-creation and stakeholder management as fundamental to achieving the desired outcomes. However, given differences in individual perceptions and organisational/industry ethos and goals, involving a diverse range of stakeholders in social value work is not without challenges. We discuss collaborative action research methodology as an approach to help placemaking and construction management fields meet and, together, respond to the grand challenges facing cities. This methodology is aligned with social constructivist research philosophy, and includes a five-step sharing conversations process that was employed within an ambitious local authority project in the UK: Nottingham City Council’s aim and aspiration to become carbon neutral by 2028. Key results included the development of processes that achieved a deep and meaningful understanding of the different stakeholders’ perceptions and perspectives. This helped form and reform collaborative relationships and long term partnerships between internal and external stakeholders. Thus, we advocate collaborative action research as an opportunity to connect, co-create and achieve the SDGs, specifically SDG 17 and 11, through collective understanding, appreciation and aligning of individual and shared values and priorities, and organic dissolution of perceived barriers.