Introduction to Special Issue: Co-creating Knowledge in Development Studies

This Special Issue is a result of the biannual Nordic Development Research Conference, held 21–23 August, 2023, at Uppsala University in Sweden, with the title ‘Co-creation of knowledge in development studies’. This topic is pertinent. It is a direct response to knowledge being privileged to wealthy, innovative environments in the Global North (Kothari, Citation2019), where ‘the subaltern’ is often spoken for (Spivak, Citation1988). It emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding what development entails, for whom, and in which contexts, aspiring to ensure a more inclusive approach to addressing various problems. Moreover, while there is no explicit Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) dedicated to research, the underpinnings of research and knowledge are integral across all SDGs. This presents pivotal questions on whose knowledge is prioritized, who decides on their priority and who are included in discussing these vital global development issues? Co-creation of knowledge is a response to foster collaborative research and ensuring relevance to achieving the SDGs.