Forum for cooperation - participatory research

Purpose and goal

The participatory research conducted in the project has yielded results in the form of a written VINNOVA report which contains a characterization of the Forum, a literature review, a historical analysis of the Forum and its place in contemporary society, and a discussion of a number of key themes. The research has moreover generated empirical material for three academic articles: on sustainability transitions in transport; on the historical transformation of transport governance; and on strategic innovation intermediaries.

Results and expected effects

The projected has generated utility in the form of a deeper understanding of the nature of the Forum and its place in contemporary society, as well as the conditions for conducting innovation through strategic collaboration. The main target audience has been the key actors in the Forum (executive committee, office, road map process leaders) as well as other organisations and individuals involved in the Forum. The written report should be of broader interest for innovation in the transport sector.

Approach and implementation

The project was based on participatory research where the researcher observes at a distance rather than taking the role of facilitator. The research involved participatory observation at meetings of the executive committee and working groups, on interviews and on written documents. As the project progressed there was gradual more feedback to the actors in the Forum.