Critical assessment of ARA’s co-creation spaces

Advancing collaborative climate adaptation solutions

The Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) is a global coalition focused on accelerating and scaling investments in action-oriented research that addresses pressing knowledge needs for adaptation and resilience of the most vulnerable. To this end, it supports capacity building at all stages, from research to action, and works to strengthen research–implementation linkages and to promote greater global learning.

A key initiative in the ARA’s first years was the launch of four knowledge co-creation spaces that engaged a large share of the Alliance membership, focusing on building the capacities of universities in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to support national adaptation action; nature-based solutions to support equitable climate solutions; accelerating the adaptation of smallholder farmers; and urban resilience solutions.

This systematic evidence review assesses the effectiveness of these co-creation spaces through the lens of the ARA’s six Adaptation Research for Impact Principles,¹ which underpin all ARA programs, plans and activities. A team at Transitions Research reviewed project documents, event agendas and deliverables from the four co-creation spaces to determine how well they align with the six principles, with the ARA’s broader theory of change, and with its core values of openness and transparency, southern leadership, thinking big and long term, and gender equality and social inclusion. The review identified both successes and challenges and highlighted effective strategies for enhancing the equity, transparency and replicability of co-created adaptation solutions.

1. See https://www.adaptationresearchalliance.org/resources/adaptation-research-for-impact-principles/.