Transformation to a sustainable society
In the context of the transformation to a sustainable society, the question as to which roles researchers play and how they can make an appropriate contribution especially manifests itself.
The scope and urgency of today’s societal challenges are pushing science to play a greater role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the associated societal transformation required. Researchers must be clear about the roles they (want to) play in these societal-development and -change processes.
From understanding to co-design
Research in the context of transformation processes usually takes place in close exchange or in cooperation with other societal actors. In such settings, it is particularly important to clarify what these societal actors’ expectations of science are and in what role researchers can support them.
It is also helpful to agree on the different and changing roles within inter- and transdisciplinary research teams. It is important to clarify the division of labour and negotiate who will take on which role at what time. Clarity about the roles makes it possible to work effectively and efficiently.
Transformative research goes one step further: it actively participates in societal transformations by shaping and accompanying change processes together with actors outside of academia, thus helping to initiate change.
The following questions arise:
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