REPORT TO WP3 ON PROTOTYPE CO-CREATION METHODOLOGY

D4.1. RiskPACC Task 4.1 Framework Development focuses on the initial development of the RiskPACC framework and collates, evaluates and builds upon existing theoretical frameworks for collaboration between Civil Protection Authorities (CPAs) and citizens in order to close the Risk Perception-Action Gap (RPAG).

The Risk Perception-Action Gap (RPAG) is sometimes understood as a lack of risk perception in citizens which results in a lack of appropriate response actions. However, in RiskPACC we unpack that notion and explore the different perceptions, attitudes and actions of both citizens and CPAs and seek ways to create an environment for better understanding through collaborative governance mechanisms. The vehicle for this is the RiskPACC co-creation labs (see RiskPACC Deliverable 3.4 Lab Methodology and Glossary).

Task 4.1 builds upon work explored in Work Packages 1 (Understanding good practices and challenges in Civil Protection policy and practice) and WP2 (Engaging citizens to expand understandings of risks, vulnerabilities and data collection opportunities) and works closely with WP3 Co-creation lab and stakeholder integration. Chapter 2 presents some of the findings from interviews with case study partners carried out for Work Packages 1 and 2 where we can see that both CPAs and citizens identify differences in how each understand risks and how they understand each other.

RiskPACC Deliverable 4.1 presents the first draft RiskPACC Collaborative Framework, reviews a range of frameworks on, and approaches to, collaborative governance, and sets out recommendations for the format and ways of working in the co-creation labs.

The Framework (discussed in Chapter 3) has synthesised from the academic and grey literature, plus the identified gaps from our case study partners, 5 key components to be considered in closing the RPAG. These comprise:

• Risk Context

• Social-political Context

• Risk Perceptions and Actions

• Risk Reduction Relationships

• Risk Communication Approaches

Each of these components has several sub-components and these are all discussed in more detail in the body of the report. The key components form a general structuring framework for the whole report. The framework will be constantly revised and updated as we engage more with our case study partners and their stakeholders. However, for wider use with citizens, we have also simplified this down as follows: 

UNDERSTANDING

• We all have some expertise

• We recognize diversity in ourselves and our ideas

SHARING

• Try standing in another's shoes

• Be open to the constraints of others

RELATING

• Start from a position of equality

• Everyone has an equal voice

BUILDING

• What works for one person, doesn't necessarily work for another

We hope this conveys the core values of RiskPACC and how we hope to proceed in developing a collaborative governance process.

RiskPACC technical partners have also begun the process of designing the technological solutions to be offered to case study partners. This fits under the ‘Building’ component and the pros and cons of a range of types are discussed in Chapter 4. However, as the main gaps identified through the literature review are a mutual lack of understanding of CPA and citizen perspectives, and a need for relationship building, these form the major focus of this report.

Finally, there is a list of recommendations for the design and operation of the workshops and co-creation labs. These are organised under the, now familiar, headings: understanding, sharing, relating, building and co-creation lab planning and facilitation. These synthesise the main lessons learned which come out of the literature reviews and the discussions with case study partners.