The challenges of transdisciplinary knowledge production: from unilocal to comparative research

Simon, D., Palmer, H., Riise, J., Smit, W., & Valencia, S. (2018). The challenges of transdisciplinary knowledge production: from unilocal to comparative research. Environment and Urbanization, 095624781878717. doi:10.1177/0956247818787177

Platform
Gothenburg Cape Town Global
Publication type
Scientific article (peer-reviewed)
DOI Title
The challenges of transdisciplinary knowledge production: from unilocal to comparative research
Journal
Environment and Urbanization
ISSN/ISBN
0956-2478 1746-0301
DOI
10.1177/0956247818787177
Author(s)
David Simon Henrietta Palmer Jan Riise Warren Smit Sandra Valencia
Published year
Subject
Environmental Science (miscellaneous) Urban Studies
Tags
Co-production transdisciplinary transdisciplinary urban co-production comparative urban research

 

External link

Abstract

This reflective paper surveys the lessons learnt and challenges faced by the Mistra Urban Futures (MUF) research centre and its research platforms in Sweden, the UK, South Africa and Kenya in developing and deploying different forms of transdisciplinary co-production of knowledge. Considerable experience with a distinctive portfolio of such methods has been gained and reflective evaluation is now under way. While it is important to understand the local context within which each method has evolved, we seek to explain the potential for adaptation in diverse contexts so that such knowledge co-production methods can be more widely utilized. Furthermore, the current phase of MUF’s work is undertaking innovative comparative transdisciplinary co-production research across its research platforms. Since the specific local projects differ, systematic thematic comparison requires great care and methodological rigour. Transdisciplinary co-production is inherently complex, time consuming and often unpredictable in terms of outcomes, and these challenges are intensified when it is undertaken comparatively.

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