Co-production, as an approach to research and participatory processes, has gained significant attention due to its potential to foster meaningful engagement. However, despite the growing adoption of co-production and co-creation methods, there is sometimes an overreliance on the concepts to encapsulate complex engagement processes. Co-production can occur at various stages or throughout the entire engagement/participatory process. In a realist synthesis, central elements for co-production were identified and presented in an Engagement, Alignment and Agreement (EAA) framework (Masterson et al., 2024). That EAA framework is an initial programme theory posited to guide the co-production process in a range of contexts. When co-production requires interaction in a digital setting, an additional layer of complexity is introduced. This presentation explores these complexities by reflecting on two case studies that examine co-production in both fully digital and blended environments. The research question was; How can the complexities of engagement in fully digital and blended settings be managed to achieve meaningful co-production that generates public value?

The first case study examines a fully digital online course where students co-produce tools with patients to inform healthcare practice. The second is a blended co-production process that involves citizens in a research setting exploring the EAA-framework and solutions for implementing co-production. Each case provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of using digital tools to foster social interaction and collaborative learning.

In this presentation, we present a Blended Social Interaction and Learning Framework based on the lessons learned from these two case studies. This framework is intended to serve as a guide for integrating digital tools into co-production processes, offering a structured approach for making informed decisions about how to engage participants in both fully digital and blended contexts. Questions are raised about how a conducive environment for co-production can be achieved when co-production requires interaction in a digital setting and also how to make sure that the values and principles —such as inclusivity, equity, and shared decision-making— can be established and operationalised in a fully digital or blended setting, in parts or throughout an entire collaborative process. We also reflect on the application of these frameworks in the context of value co-creation in digital settings.

The findings from these case studies suggest that careful consideration must be given to the design and facilitation of the process to preserve the integrity and authenticity of the engagement. The Blended Social Interaction and Learning Framework provides a practical tool for addressing these considerations.

By examining these case studies and the accompanying framework, this presentation seeks to advance the conversation on digital co-production and provide actionable insights for researchers, educators, and practitioners seeking to design more effective participatory processes in a digital age.

Masterson, D., Lindenfalk, B., Kjellström, S., Robert, G., & Ockander, M. (2024). Mechanisms for co-designing and co-producing health and social care: a realist synthesis. Research Involvement and Engagement, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-024-00638-3