What is success in improving Arctic observing?

Co-production of knowledge projects requires integrating multiple perspectives of what constitutes success rooted in academic, community benefit, processes, decision-making, and culture and worldviews. Research Networking Activity (RNA) for sustained Coordinated Observations for Arctic Change (CoObs) in partnership with the Food Sovereignty Working Group (FSWG) is a pilot project for Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems (ROADS). "What does success look like in improving Arctic observing?" was the prompt for homogenous focus groups of RNA CoObs and FSWG members. The research process followed the rapid qualitative inquiry methodological approach with a four-person research team representing the different insider perspectives of the participants. The research team conducted the focus groups and content analysis to develop lists of themes of success, misalignments, and tensions, which were iterated with the participants following co-production of knowledge principles. "Sustained" is an example theme both groups brought up regarding long-term funding, but RNA CoObs focused on federal agencies while FSWG brought up how Indigenous Knowledge Systems were already a sustained observing network. "Societal benefit" is another theme important in deciding which variables to prioritize, but RNA CoObs discussed maximizing for the global population while FSWG discussed equity for Arctic Indigenous Peoples. An example tension is around the difficulty of getting Indigenous participation in research, compared to the FSWG members highlighting the perceived lack of trust and respect for Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge systems. The key outcome of this research project is to aid in navigating these misalignments and tensions to develop a shared vision for improving Arctic observing.