The role of relational learning in knowledge co-production

Abstract
1. Learning, and how we learn, is integral for the governance of complex social-
ecological systems. With the growing interest in knowledge co-production comes
a need to further study how to better enable learning between different actors
engaged in dialogue-based processes.
2. We use an empirical case of a workshop series centred on collaborative water
and landscape governance on Öland, Sweden, to explore how a process partly
designed for relating to others supported participating actors in their learning.
Based on an analysis of reflection exercises and semi-structured interviews con-
ducted with all 17 actors, we assessed learning outcomes using competencies in
sustainability as the analytical lens. Competencies in sustainability allowed us to
investigate how and why actors developed individual changes in perception and
built and strengthened the skills and attitudes needed to deal with complex chal-
lenges in practice.
3. We provide empirical evidence that relational learning takes place in knowl-
edge co-production processes and supports actors in competency development.
The detailed accounts of changed understandings of the problem, pathways
forward and especially other actors show that relational learning plays a key
role in addressing misunderstandings and conflicts of interest, which could
make collaborative governance arrangements more feasible. We found that a mix
of discussion and interaction formats and activities specifically designed for re-
lational learning create opportunities for engaging with plural understandings,
perspectives, interests, norms and values. Hereby, actors need to draw on active
listening, compassionate communication, collaborative and critical self- reflection
skills as well as positive attitudes towards plurality. Different assessment
approaches embedded in a process provide time for reflection and revisiting the
learning.
4. We argue that designing for, supporting and tracing relational learning in knowl-
edge co-production leverages dialogue-based processes as a suitable tool for
nurturing collective action for addressing sustainability challenges in complex
social-ecological systems.