The power and precarity of knowledge co-production

Knowledge co-production (KCP) is increasingly recognized as one key approach to addressing complex problems at the interface of marine and coastal environments and society. This chapter is a narrative reflection on KCP as a philosophical stance and practical approach to collaborations through a case study of the Knowledge Co-Production and Transdisciplinary Approaches for Sustainable Nunatsiavut Futures project (Sustainable Nunatsiavut Futures/SakKijânginnaniattut Nunatsiavut Sivunitsangit), a six-year multi-partner research programme focused on KCP with and for Inuit communities in Nunatsiavut (northern Labrador, Canada). The case study shows how KCP may be bolstered from and challenged by context-specific relationships built on intentional and iterative self-reflection. In particular, the chapter outlines current project-specific activities that problematize and deconstruct the meanings, purpose, processes, and outcomes of KCP, including activities that question the value of “knowledge co-production” for the project. This case study highlights the value of iteratively seeking a shared understanding of KCP as projects progress rather than as a research product.