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Ways towards Transformation—Conceptual Approaches and Challenges

Author

Listed:
  • Leonhard Hennen

    (Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlstr. 11, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Jürgen Kopfmüller

    (Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlstr. 11, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Maria Maia

    (Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlstr. 11, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Linda Nierling

    (Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlstr. 11, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Constanze Scherz

    (Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlstr. 11, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany)

Abstract

This Special Issue brings together three fields of problem-oriented research, all addressing the current challenges of our society from different perspectives and respective research traditions, namely: technology assessment (TA), responsible research and innovation (RRI), and sustainability research. In this introductory paper, we point out that these approaches, nevertheless, face similar challenges observing and shaping the current transitions of our society. Conceptual and methodological commonalities and differences in the three approaches comprise issues of normativity in research activities, the interference with democratic decision-making processes, methods and approaches to cope with the expectations of society as well as dealing with the uncertainty and complexity of knowledge. The article closes with a reflection on considerations and decisions of relevance as an overarching challenge for all three concepts.

Suggested Citation

  • Leonhard Hennen & Jürgen Kopfmüller & Maria Maia & Linda Nierling & Constanze Scherz, 2023. "Ways towards Transformation—Conceptual Approaches and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-27, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:20:p:14867-:d:1259453
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