Dr. Léon Acar
Question & answer
What is your research about?
My research focuses on citizen participation and co-creation in public service delivery, and more specifically on the question of what kind of public value these practices can generate. I am interested in how citizens, professionals and governments jointly shape public services, and what this means for democratic quality, legitimacy and sustainability. Rather than asking only whether participation works, I focus on when, how and under what conditions it leads to meaningful outcomes. More broadly, my research interests relate to the functioning of (local) democracy and the roles different actors play within it.
Why is your research socially relevant?
Governments increasingly experiment with participation and co-creation, often with high expectations but not always with self-evident results. My research aims to clarify this tension by adding nuance: co-creation is not a silver bullet, but it can generate public value when it is applied in a context-sensitive and well-considered way. By empirically examining what works, and what does not, I aim to contribute to better-informed policy and more realistic expectations in the broader societal debate.
How would colleagues describe you?
I think (or hope) colleagues would describe me as engaged, reliable and intellectually driven. I enjoy working collaboratively, take responsibility, and try to build bridges between different people and research lines. At the same time, I am critical where necessary, with attention to dialogue and collegiality.
What do you hope to achieve in your academic career?
I aim to further develop an independent research agenda on co-creation and public value, combining strong academic quality with societal relevance. In particular, I am interested in adopting a comparative perspective. In addition, I find it important to contribute to the academic community more broadly, through teaching, mentoring early-career researchers, and helping to ensure continuity and collaboration within and across research teams.
What is the first thing you do when an unexpected gap opens up in your schedule?
Ideally, I go out and do some sports (running, cycling or swimming, occassionaly on the same day). It helps me clear my head and regain focus. But I also enjoy creative activities: I do embroidery (using a Cornely embroidery machine from the 1980s!) and write poetry. Cooking for people I care about is another favourite pastime, driven by the warmth of coming together around a good meal.