Beyond the horizon: new directions in research coproduction

Abstract

Abstract Research coproduction is no longer a subordinate approach; it is reshaping how health research is conceived, conducted and applied. Integrated knowledge translation (IKT), the Canadian term for coproduction, champions researchers and knowledge users in producing research that is relevant and actionable. In 2018, the Integrated Knowledge Translation Research Network (IKTRN) launched its first concept paper series, emphasizing methodological foundations. In 2024, a second call invited deeper theoretical engagement, resulting in this collection, which addresses structural and relational dimensions of coproduction. Across the 17 papers in this series, 3 themes dominate: power, partnership strategies and infrastructure. Several papers interrogate power in research relationships, noting conceptual inconsistencies and proposing strategies such as reflexivity, culturally responsive approaches and inclusive language to mitigate inequities. Others examine partnership management, emphasizing trust as a dynamic process and recommending actions, such as continuous communication, to strengthen engagement with Indigenous communities, migrants and ethnically diverse populations. A third theme addresses infrastructure, highlighting the need for resources, leadership and tailored training to sustain coproduction, particularly for trainees. Collectively, these contributions signal an evolution from methodological concerns towards systemic considerations of equity and sustainability. They underscore that coproduction is not merely a set of techniques, but a structural and relational endeavour requiring institutional commitment and adequate resourcing. This collection invites researchers, funders and policy-makers to reflect on their roles in advancing these priorities.