Solving Problems in Social–Ecological Systems: Definition, Practice and Barriers of Transdisciplinary Research

TLDR

Translating sustainable development policies into real‑world social–ecological systems is challenging, and transdisciplinary research—integrating disciplines, researchers, and practitioners—is one proposed approach. The study aims to map barriers and bridges to transdisciplinary research through group modeling of 14 problem‑solving experiences, focusing on green infrastructure policy to diagnose social–ecological systems and foster collaborative learning. The authors employed group modeling of 14 problem‑solving experiences to map perceived barriers and bridges, centering on green infrastructure policy to diagnose social–ecological systems and apply knowledge production and collaborative learning. The analysis revealed that transdisciplinary research is shaped by disciplinary control, project adaptation to the agenda, stakeholder participation, and team building rooted in self‑reflection and experienced leadership.

Abstract

Translating policies about sustainable development as a social process and sustainability outcomes into the real world of social–ecological systems involves several challenges. Hence, research policies advocate improved innovative problem-solving capacity. One approach is transdisciplinary research that integrates research disciplines, as well as researchers and practitioners. Drawing upon 14 experiences of problem-solving, we used group modeling to map perceived barriers and bridges for researchers' and practitioners' joint knowledge production and learning towards transdisciplinary research. The analysis indicated that the transdisciplinary research process is influenced by (1) the amount of traditional disciplinary formal and informal control, (2) adaptation of project applications to fill the transdisciplinary research agenda, (3) stakeholder participation, and (4) functional team building/development based on self-reflection and experienced leadership. Focusing on implementation of green infrastructure policy as a common denominator for the delivery of ecosystem services and human well-being, we discuss how to diagnose social–ecological systems, and use knowledge production and collaborative learning as treatments.