Co-construction in the field of social welfare (Cocoso)
This Industrial Doctoral Network focuses on participation and co-construction as essential elements of democracy and innovation in social welfare. The network trains doctoral researchers to respond to the urgent need for meaningful and effective participation of citizens in shaping social services and policies—including service users, practitioners, managers, and decision-makers.
Citizens engaged with welfare systems often face inequality and vulnerability, limiting their ability to participate. To tackle these challenges, the project addresses:
- Diverse perspectives on participation and co-construction
- Power, trust, and management barriers
- Limitations due to vulnerability and intersectionality
- The potential of digital tools for participation
Researchers work closely with senior academic and industry partners from disciplines such as social policy, education, sociology, management, and history, as well as from sectors like local government and non-profit organizations.
Cocoso aims to deliver:
- Evidence and knowledge on barriers and enablers of co-construction
- Innovative methods to embed co-construction in practice and research
- Skilled researchers equipped to support organisations and policy-makers in engaging with vulnerable citizens
- 15 doctoral research projects
Project number – 101169183
Amount of funding – 3 957 537.60 EUR
The project is being carried out in the period – 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2028
Project leader – UNIVERSITE PARIS NANTERRE (France)
Project partners:
- AALBORG UNIVERSITET (Denmark)
- INSTITUTO SUPERIOR DE CIENCIAS SOCIAIS E POLITICAS (Portugal)
- DIMOKRITIO PANEPISTIMIO THRAKIS (Greece)
- UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI (Poland)
- UNIVERSITAET INNSBRUCK (Austria)
- IRMANDADE DA SANTA CASA DA MISERICORDIA DA AMADORA IPSS (Portugal)
Composition of the research team UW:
- dr hab. Agnieszka Naumiuk, prof. UW, Faculty of Education. Project coordinator.
- dr hab. Agnieszka Postuła, prof. UW, Faculty of Management.