This paper presents some of the issues and challenges faced by researchers in achieving shared power when utilising co-production methodology in academic settings. It illustrates the application of co-production by a case study involving co-production with family carers, people living with dementia and service providers to develop dementia-specific training for home care workers.

There were unavoidable external constraints on sharing power and decision making within some elements of the project, however, power was redistributed by shifting the power dynamic in various ways within the internal project environment. Researchers developed strong relationships and built trust with key stakeholders, maintained consistent communication, negotiated conflict, ensured each stakeholder voice was heard and supported people living with dementia to be involved safely and comfortably. 

Funding body requirements, ethical governance and researcher responsibilities can limit power sharing and decision making when using co-production in academic contexts, the study suggested. However, while the researcher or research organisation may hold ultimate responsibility for the overall management and delivery of the project, power can still be ceded and redistributed at many points within the project.