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Transdisciplinary sustainability research in real-world labs: success factors and methods for change

Bergmann, Matthias; Schäpke, Niko; Marg, Oskar; Stelzer, Franziska; Lang, Daniel J. ORCID iD icon; Bossert, Michael; Gantert, Marius; Häußler, Elke; Marquardt, Editha; Piontek, Felix M.; Potthast, Thomas; Rhodius, Regina; Rudolph, Matthias; Ruddat, Michael; Seebacher, Andreas ORCID iD icon 1; Sußmann, Nico
1 Institut für Technikfolgenabschätzung und Systemanalyse (ITAS), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

Abstract:

The transdisciplinary research mode has gained prominence in the research on and for sustainability transformations. Yet, solution-oriented research addressing complex sustainability problems has become complex itself, with new transdisciplinary research formats being developed and tested for this purpose. Application of new formats offers learning potentials from experience. To this end, we accompanied fourteen research projects conceptualized as real-world labs (RwLs) from 2015 to 2018. RwLs were part of a funding program on 'Science for Sustainability' in the German federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg. Here, we combine conceptual and empirical work to a structured collection of experiences and provide a comprehensive account of RwLs. First, we outline characteristics of RwLs as transformation oriented, transdisciplinary research approach, using experiments, enabling learning and having a long-term orientation. Second, we outline eleven success factors and concrete design notes we gained through a survey of the 14 RwLs: (1) find the right balance between scientific and societal aims, (2) address the practitioners needs and restrictions, (3) make use of the experimentation concept, (4) actively communicate, (5) develop a 'collaboration culture', (6) be attached to concrete sites, (7) create lasting impact and transferability, (8) plan for sufficient time and financial means, (9) adaptability, (10) research-based learning, and (11) recognize dependency on external actors. ... mehr


Verlagsausgabe §
DOI: 10.5445/IR/1000128655
Veröffentlicht am 12.03.2021
Originalveröffentlichung
DOI: 10.1007/s11625-020-00886-8
Scopus
Zitationen: 103
Web of Science
Zitationen: 86
Dimensions
Zitationen: 117
Cover der Publikation
Zugehörige Institution(en) am KIT Institut für Technikfolgenabschätzung und Systemanalyse (ITAS)
Publikationstyp Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Publikationsmonat/-jahr 03.2021
Sprache Englisch
Identifikator ISSN: 1862-4057, 1862-4065
KITopen-ID: 1000128655
HGF-Programm 37.11.02 (POF IV, LK 01) Societally-Feasible Transformation Pathways
Erschienen in Sustainability science
Verlag Springer
Band 16
Heft 2
Seiten 541–564
Vorab online veröffentlicht am 02.01.2021
Nachgewiesen in Web of Science
Dimensions
Scopus
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