The (Co)Action Lab - Publications

In addition to our (Co)Action Blog, the (Co)Action Lab houses Policy Briefs, Research Reports, Recommended Books, and other publications.

Most content is written by our contributors. We provide links to other publications that our contributors recommend.

These publications cover a range of human-centered solutions to spark ideas for your community.

We invite you to register and leave feedback in the comments section for each publication.

Featured Publications

Multiple Meanings in Local Initiatives: A Glimpse from the World Music Market

Dr. Glaucia Peres da Silva ((Co)Action Blog) 2018-09-05 21:34

From the case of the World Music market, we learn that local initiatives always have multiple meanings—a polysemy that cannot be avoided and must be considered in analysis and practice for local...

The Dangers of Distorting History

Dr. Torsten Kathke ((Co)Action Blog) 2018-08-25 15:11

In the current media climate of "fake news" accusations and divisive partisanship in the United States, it is no wonder that history as a powerful way of making sense of the past and its connections to the...

The Labor Force Participation Rate as an Indicator of Regional Economic Wellbeing

Dr. Pieta Blakely ((Co)Action Blog) 2018-06-26 22:43

On a national and local level, we typically interpret unemployment rates as an indicator of economic well-being. This paper argues that the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) offers a more...

Laos Dam Collapse Sparks Compassion amid Criticism

Erik Fruth ((Co)Action Blog) 2018-08-07 17:56

The dam collapse in southern Laos’ Attapeu Province in July 2018 led to an outpouring of global generosity and some serious criticisms about the safety of hydropower dams in the Mekong river basin....

German economic strategies, Part II: Can works councils promote inclusive economies in the U.S. and beyond?

Dr. Tracy A. Corley ((Co)Action Blog) 2019-10-23 08:41

In Part I of this topic, I wrote about how “patient capital” is emerging in mainstream thought as U.S. policymakers conceptualize how to create inclusive economies, or economies that provide everyone...