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

Journal article (2022)

Authors

Joanne Vinke-de Kruijf University of Twente
Laura Verbrugge University of Twente, Aalto University
Barbara Schröter Lund University, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Robert Jan den Haan University of Twente
V.J. Cortes Arevalo IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, University of Twente
Jan Fliervoet Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences
Jennifer Henze Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Leibniz Universität
Christian Albert Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Leibniz Universität
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Published Date

2022

Language

English

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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.