New development: Citizen science—discovering (new) solutions to wicked problems

IMPACT

The general population can play a pivotal role in future research endeavours, from the inception of research projects through to delivering research impact. Citizen science is the active, co-participation of the public in scientific research. Through true collaboration, this article shows how citizen science has the potential to discover new solutions to wicked problems. Climate change, extreme poverty, pandemics, health inequalities, and natural disasters are just a few examples of where citizens may hold the key to driving (partial) solutions for a better world.

ABSTRACT

The article explores the role citizen science can play in discovering new solutions to pressing wicked problems. Using illustrations of citizen science projects to show how and where citizens have been fundamental in creating solutions and driving change, the article calls for wider recognition and use of citizen science in public administration and management research. For wider utilization of citizens’ active co-participation in research design, delivery and dissemination, the article presents a set of citizen science pathways.

KEYWORDS:

• Citizen science
• co-participation
• public administration
• public management
• research design
• solutions
• wicked problems

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).