Transforming science and society? Methodological lessons from and for transformation research

• DOI: 10.1093/reseval/rvaa034
• Publication Date: 2020-12-21T20:51:58Z
• Authors: Katharina Hölscher; Julia M Wittmayer; Martin Hirschnitz...; Alfred Olfert; Jörg Walther; Georg Schiller; Benjamin Brunnow
• Keywords: Transformative Learning; Framing (construction); Transformation processes; Exploratory research

Abstract Transformation research has in the past years emerged as a shared lens to study and support radical societal change towards sustainability. Given nascent exploratory—yet highly normative ambitious—character of transformation research, we aim enhance understanding research: when do designs qualify what is needed for putting into practice, are results? To this end, develop framework that identifies criteria designing reflecting on results, design processes research. We employ reflect our work project was designed spirit The TRAFIS (Transformations resource-conserving climate-resilient coupled infrastructures) sought understand development innovative infrastructures mobilize their critical role achieving sustainability transformations. Our results yield lessons recommendations about looks like practice how it can be strengthened, focussing 1, redefining re-valuing impact; 2, redesigning integrate perspectives change; 3, re-equipping researchers partners social learning. conclude while already contributes framing generating knowledge real-world challenges, its transformative impact still limited. Practicing requires far-reaching changes science system, but also continuous reflection legitimacy, power relations, impacts.