Collaborative Dynamics and Transformative Impacts: Insights from Applied Crime and Security Research in Europe

• In Event: Political and Social Discourses about Crime and Justice Panel 1

Abstract

Active participation of stakeholders, including research partners and practitioners, throughout the research process is critical to ensuring the outcomes of action research are relevant, appropriate and meaningful to end-users and their operational contexts. This paper examines issues associated with the collaborative delivery and implementation of security action research projects with public agencies. Drawing upon two EU Horizon 2020-funded research and innovation actions completed over the previous five years, the authors explore the complex interaction between academics and practitioners, and discuss how municipal authorities and law enforcement agencies perceive, engage with, and contribute to the process of action research — from investigation; problem analysis; outcome definition and development; to validation and implementation.

Considering engagement in two multinational consortium projects, the paper examines the transformative potential of research collaborations to shape working practices and organisational dynamics within partner contexts. It critically highlights instances where such collaborations encounter tensions, challenges and problems, offering insights into potential risks and areas for improvement. Analysing the roles and participation of non-academic partners, the paper explores the function of trust and respect within collaborative research projects and public sector partner organisations.

The literature acknowledges that stakeholders' lack of engagement or commitment to the process of action research can reduce the implementation and practical impact of outcomes. This paper provides insight into the consequences of engagement deficiencies — including: restricted understanding of problems; resistance to insights; decreased ownership of solutions; and suboptimal implementation. This limits benefits of the collaborative research and innovation process to partners and negatively impacts trust between participants.

Examining the complexities inherent in fostering and sustaining collaborative research relationships, the paper highlights key challenges for academics delivering action research in the politicised governance domain of security, underscoring the imperative for researchers to navigate these dynamics while upholding their commitment to critical inquiry.

Authors

• Dagmar Heinrich, University of Salford

• Caroline Davey, University of Salford

• Andrew Wootton, University of Salford