Publications by category
Journal articles
Esmene S, Leyshon M, DeBraal P, DeBruin H, Leyshon C (2024). ‘Where’ is the evidence? a starting point for the development of place-based research reviews and their implications for wellbeing-related policymaking.
The Geographical JournalAbstract:
‘Where’ is the evidence? a starting point for the development of place-based research reviews and their implications for wellbeing-related policymaking
This paper aims to stimulate debate around the development of a place-based research review methodology. We present place-based reviews as a potential source of support for wellbeing-related local policymaking. Our introductory discussions highlight an ever-growing need for insights about specific localities and a lack in resources—including time—for local policymakers to engage with research. Additionally, increasing demands for local insights have been driven by devolution shifts, which redistribute policymaking responsibilities to local authorities. Hence, we explore the challenges and opportunities that arise when places are considered in reviewing research relevant to wellbeing. We build a case study around two related places of different scale: Truro, a small cathedral city in the United Kingdom's Southwest; and Cornwall, the regional county that contains Truro. We use these places as search terms in combination with terms concerning health and social care (HSC) services. HSC services are included as a component of our case study, as the topic is a consistent concern for wellbeing-related policies. In our findings, we report a lack of papers on our smaller scale of place (Truro). One might expect this outcome. Nonetheless, we reflect on current research practices and processes that might have further limited our ability to generate insights about Truro. Encouragingly, our findings on Cornwall demonstrate the potential of place-based reviews in supporting local policymaking more broadly. We make initial judgements around knowledge gaps—including the exclusion of perspectives from certain groups and identities—and topological insights, that is, those that are relevant to Cornwall as a whole. Our discussions also consider how place-based reviews can be enhanced via the retrieval and inclusion of non-academic studies. Finally, key questions to induce debate on this subject are posed in the conclusion.
Abstract.
Esmene S, Kirsop-Taylor NA (2021). External Disruptions to Qualitative Data Collection: Addressing Risks Relating to Brexit and Researcher-Participant Rapport. The Qualitative Report, 26(3)
Esmene S, Taylor TJ, Leyshon M (2020). A Systems Thinking Approach to Exploring the Influence of the Media on How Publics Engage with and Develop Dialogues Relating to Electric Vehicles. Frontiers in Communication, 5
Esmene S, Leyshon C, Leyshon M (2020). Beyond adherence to social prescriptions: How places, social acquaintances and stories help walking group members to thrive. HEALTH & PLACE, 64
Esmene S (2020). Colonising public engagement: Revealing the “expert–lay” divisions formed by academia's dominant praxis. Area
Esmene S, Taylor TJ, Leyshon M (2020). Corrigendum: a Systems Thinking Approach to Exploring the Influence of the Media on How Publics Engage with and Develop Dialogues Relating to Electric Vehicles. Frontiers in Communication, 5
Walker T, Esmene S, Colebrooke L, Leyshon C, Leyshon M (2020). Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK.
Voluntary Sector Review,
11(1), 59-77.
Abstract:
Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK
Digital technology is seen as a panacea to meeting the financial and operational challenges faced by voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs), through delivering efficiencies and cost-saving, alongside improving quality of service. However, according to recent assessments in the UK, the rate of digital adoption is slow compared with other sectors. This article identifies how a VCSO in a period of austerity prioritises its social mission over functionality and efficiency gains from digital technology. Employing the heuristic of phronesis, we argue that VCSOs seeking to implement digital innovations need to strike a balance between instrumental rationality (that is, what is possible to achieve with technology) and value rationality (that is, what is desirable to pursue by VCSOs). Our key argument is that theories of value rationality provide a new explanation for the slow adoption of digital technology among VCSOs.
Abstract.
Esmene S, Leyshon M (2019). The Role of Rural Heterogeneity in Knowledge Mobilisation and Sociotechnical Transitions: Reflections from a Study on Electric Vehicles as an Alternative Technology for Cornwall, UK.
European Countryside,
11(4), 661-671.
Abstract:
The Role of Rural Heterogeneity in Knowledge Mobilisation and Sociotechnical Transitions: Reflections from a Study on Electric Vehicles as an Alternative Technology for Cornwall, UK
Abstract
. Mobilising knowledges across a geography creates opportunities for transitions to smart systems. Publics in a geography are consequently able to form their perspectives around a system and align potential benefits with their needs. Intelligent transport systems are an example of smart living and EVs are cited as an alternative technology that are key to their application. This conceptual paper uses EVs as an example to demonstrate how knowledge mobilisation relating to such technologies can better cater to a geography’s needs. Unfortunately, current EV studies focus on a rural-urban binary. Thus, this conceptual contribution reflects on a study in Cornwall, UK, to reveal the heterogeneous influences on rural EV-related perspectives. This heterogeneity manifests both in particular locations and across cases. Overall a suite of transferrable participatory methods to improve rural knowledge mobilisation is outlined.
Abstract.
Esmene S, Taylor T, Leyshon M (2016). Knowledge, experience and the circus: academic perspectives on the processes of communicating the environmental and health impacts of electric vehicles. Local Environment, 22(6), 651-666.
Publications by year
2024
Esmene S, Leyshon M, DeBraal P, DeBruin H, Leyshon C (2024). ‘Where’ is the evidence? a starting point for the development of place-based research reviews and their implications for wellbeing-related policymaking.
The Geographical JournalAbstract:
‘Where’ is the evidence? a starting point for the development of place-based research reviews and their implications for wellbeing-related policymaking
This paper aims to stimulate debate around the development of a place-based research review methodology. We present place-based reviews as a potential source of support for wellbeing-related local policymaking. Our introductory discussions highlight an ever-growing need for insights about specific localities and a lack in resources—including time—for local policymakers to engage with research. Additionally, increasing demands for local insights have been driven by devolution shifts, which redistribute policymaking responsibilities to local authorities. Hence, we explore the challenges and opportunities that arise when places are considered in reviewing research relevant to wellbeing. We build a case study around two related places of different scale: Truro, a small cathedral city in the United Kingdom's Southwest; and Cornwall, the regional county that contains Truro. We use these places as search terms in combination with terms concerning health and social care (HSC) services. HSC services are included as a component of our case study, as the topic is a consistent concern for wellbeing-related policies. In our findings, we report a lack of papers on our smaller scale of place (Truro). One might expect this outcome. Nonetheless, we reflect on current research practices and processes that might have further limited our ability to generate insights about Truro. Encouragingly, our findings on Cornwall demonstrate the potential of place-based reviews in supporting local policymaking more broadly. We make initial judgements around knowledge gaps—including the exclusion of perspectives from certain groups and identities—and topological insights, that is, those that are relevant to Cornwall as a whole. Our discussions also consider how place-based reviews can be enhanced via the retrieval and inclusion of non-academic studies. Finally, key questions to induce debate on this subject are posed in the conclusion.
Abstract.
2021
Esmene S, Kirsop-Taylor NA (2021). External Disruptions to Qualitative Data Collection: Addressing Risks Relating to Brexit and Researcher-Participant Rapport. The Qualitative Report, 26(3)
2020
Esmene S, Taylor TJ, Leyshon M (2020). A Systems Thinking Approach to Exploring the Influence of the Media on How Publics Engage with and Develop Dialogues Relating to Electric Vehicles. Frontiers in Communication, 5
Esmene S, Leyshon C, Leyshon M (2020). Beyond adherence to social prescriptions: How places, social acquaintances and stories help walking group members to thrive. HEALTH & PLACE, 64
Esmene S (2020). Colonising public engagement: Revealing the “expert–lay” divisions formed by academia's dominant praxis. Area
Esmene S, Taylor TJ, Leyshon M (2020). Corrigendum: a Systems Thinking Approach to Exploring the Influence of the Media on How Publics Engage with and Develop Dialogues Relating to Electric Vehicles. Frontiers in Communication, 5
Walker T, Esmene S, Colebrooke L, Leyshon C, Leyshon M (2020). Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK.
Voluntary Sector Review,
11(1), 59-77.
Abstract:
Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK
Digital technology is seen as a panacea to meeting the financial and operational challenges faced by voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs), through delivering efficiencies and cost-saving, alongside improving quality of service. However, according to recent assessments in the UK, the rate of digital adoption is slow compared with other sectors. This article identifies how a VCSO in a period of austerity prioritises its social mission over functionality and efficiency gains from digital technology. Employing the heuristic of phronesis, we argue that VCSOs seeking to implement digital innovations need to strike a balance between instrumental rationality (that is, what is possible to achieve with technology) and value rationality (that is, what is desirable to pursue by VCSOs). Our key argument is that theories of value rationality provide a new explanation for the slow adoption of digital technology among VCSOs.
Abstract.
2019
Esmene S, Leyshon M (2019). The Role of Rural Heterogeneity in Knowledge Mobilisation and Sociotechnical Transitions: Reflections from a Study on Electric Vehicles as an Alternative Technology for Cornwall, UK.
European Countryside,
11(4), 661-671.
Abstract:
The Role of Rural Heterogeneity in Knowledge Mobilisation and Sociotechnical Transitions: Reflections from a Study on Electric Vehicles as an Alternative Technology for Cornwall, UK
Abstract
. Mobilising knowledges across a geography creates opportunities for transitions to smart systems. Publics in a geography are consequently able to form their perspectives around a system and align potential benefits with their needs. Intelligent transport systems are an example of smart living and EVs are cited as an alternative technology that are key to their application. This conceptual paper uses EVs as an example to demonstrate how knowledge mobilisation relating to such technologies can better cater to a geography’s needs. Unfortunately, current EV studies focus on a rural-urban binary. Thus, this conceptual contribution reflects on a study in Cornwall, UK, to reveal the heterogeneous influences on rural EV-related perspectives. This heterogeneity manifests both in particular locations and across cases. Overall a suite of transferrable participatory methods to improve rural knowledge mobilisation is outlined.
Abstract.
2016
Esmene S, Taylor T, Leyshon M (2016). Knowledge, experience and the circus: academic perspectives on the processes of communicating the environmental and health impacts of electric vehicles. Local Environment, 22(6), 651-666.