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Performing Research Capability Building in New Zealand's Social Sciences: Capacity–Capability Insights from Exploring the Work of BRCSS's ‘sustainability’ Theme, 2004–09

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  • Erena Le Heron
  • Richard Le Heron
  • Nick Lewis

Abstract

Many governments are seeking to ‘mature’ social science through research capability. The Building Research Capability in the Social Sciences (BRCSS) experiment gave New Zealand's social science community a chance to mature itself through capability building. We examine the emergence of BRCSS's ‘sustainability’ research theme. Selected as one of five key research themes because of its public good investment priority and the level of social science interest, the meanings and purpose of the theme emerged in practice. We present the theme as a series of performances through the life of BRCSS, itself an emergent assemblage of changing theoretical projects, research and policy priorities, and research capability. Reading the experiment reflexively from the inside, we consolidate the experience of performing new research practices into existence to reconceptualise and theorise research capability. We conclude that any fresh engagement in substantive issues must confront how knowledge production might be done differently, and that experimentation around capacities and capabilities for knowledge production begins to open up substantive concerns in fresh and generative ways.

Suggested Citation

  • Erena Le Heron & Richard Le Heron & Nick Lewis, 2011. "Performing Research Capability Building in New Zealand's Social Sciences: Capacity–Capability Insights from Exploring the Work of BRCSS's ‘sustainability’ Theme, 2004–09," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 43(6), pages 1400-1420, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:43:y:2011:i:6:p:1400-1420
    DOI: 10.1068/a43303
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    References listed on IDEAS

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