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Knowledge co‐production and researcher roles in transdisciplinary environmental management projects

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Listed:
  • Joanne Vinke‐de Kruijf
  • Laura Verbrugge
  • Barbara Schröter
  • Robert‐Jan den Haan
  • Juliette Cortes Arevalo
  • Jan Fliervoet
  • Jennifer Henze
  • Christian Albert

Abstract

Calls for transformative change and participatory modes of knowledge production demand researchers to assume new roles. This paper synthesizes the literature on knowledge co‐production and researcher roles to explore challenges for researchers involved in transdisciplinary environmental management projects. Our research methods combine a scoping review and reflections on personal experiences with three transdisciplinary projects. To conceptualize researcher roles in transdisciplinary knowledge co‐production, we distinguish between three spaces: knowledge, formal policy, and stakeholder. Knowledge co‐production requires collaboration between actors from different spaces and integration of diverse knowledge sources and types. Depending on whether researchers adopt knowledge‐oriented, change‐oriented or intermediating roles, they will experience different challenges. When researchers combine knowledge development with change‐oriented and/or intermediating roles, they encounter new challenges, such as, maintaining independence or objectivity. To assist researchers in transdisciplinary projects, we conclude with a checklist of four elements to reflect upon: orientation, norms and values, expectations and resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Joanne Vinke‐de Kruijf & Laura Verbrugge & Barbara Schröter & Robert‐Jan den Haan & Juliette Cortes Arevalo & Jan Fliervoet & Jennifer Henze & Christian Albert, 2022. "Knowledge co‐production and researcher roles in transdisciplinary environmental management projects," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(2), pages 393-405, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:30:y:2022:i:2:p:393-405
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.2281
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stina Hansson & Merritt Polk, 2018. "Assessing the impact of transdisciplinary research: The usefulness of relevance, credibility, and legitimacy for understanding the link between process and impact," Research Evaluation, Oxford University Press, vol. 27(2), pages 132-144.
    2. Eileen S. Johnson & Kathleen P. Bell & Jessica E. Leahy, 2018. "Managing the science-policy boundary: implications for river restoration," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 8(3), pages 281-289, September.
    3. Esther Turnhout & Marian Stuiver & Judith Klostermann & Bette Harms & Cees Leeuwis, 2013. "New roles of science in society: Different repertoires of knowledge brokering," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 40(3), pages 354-365, February.
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