When Co-Generative Learning Met Co-Production and Co-Creation - On How Three Different Concepts Shaped “Samskaping”

The Norwegian/Danish word «samskaping” is today one of the most frequently used terms or concepts in the public discourse of development and change. Scholars familiar with the work of Morten Levin and Max Elden will recognize “samskaping” as a short translation of their model of “cogenerative learning”, originating from the discussion in the 80’s and 90’ on participative action research processes. However, there is no simple line of transfer of ideas from “cogenerative learning” in action research to “samskaping” in public sector today. Rather, three concepts from different disciplines all ended up being translated into or strongly associated with the newly constructed and popular Norwegian word “samskaping”, and Morten Levin’s “cogenerative learning” is one of the three. The two others are co-production and co-creation, which originates from fields of innovation research in private and public sector. Seen from the position of action research and the heritage from Morten Levin, this means that although his (and Max Eldens) concept (in the Norwegian translation) appears to have gained a strong impact Norway the last decade, the meaning and importance of the concept is partially lost to many of its later users. This article will track the main roots of “samskaping” as it has found its way in the everyday language of change and development in Norway, and will in particular try to reclaim for the term or concept, some of the main themes that shaped the discussion and the design of the co-generative learning model in PAR, in particular participation, power and social change.