IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/aem/journl/v9y2023i1p21-31.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Wicked Problems And The Design Thinking Method As A Tool To Solve These Problems. The Case Alien Project

Author

Listed:
  • Magdalena PROCZEK
  • Marta GARBARCZYK

Abstract

Today's global challenges are characterized by increasing complexity. This makes it possible to call these challenges so-called wicked problems, which are difficult to define clearly, have no single solution and require the involvement of multiple stakeholders for its purpose. Such complication can include a group of contemporary migration and refugee problems, which include dilemma of adaptation and integration of immigrants, or social conflicts between locals and newcomers, etc. The Design Thinking (DT) method, which is recipient- and user-oriented solution, can be used to try to solve these issues. Importantly, the beneficiaries themselves can also be involved. The purpose of this study is to present the essence of wicked problems, as well as the DT method as a tool for solving contemporary problems, including migration and refugees. The study fills the research gap on presenting a proposal for a tool in the form of the Design Thinking method for solving contemporary wicked problems, including in the setting of migrants and refugees, using the results of the ALIEN project as an example. A synthetic review of the literature on wicked problems was also conducted. The study used a qualitative method in the form of logical inference, as well as a review of the literature on the subject, studies, and reports. By addressing this issue, the authors intended to expand the existing body of global analysis in this area. As demonstrated in this paper, the DT method has been successfully used to solve wicked problems among migrants and refugees in Norway as well as Ethiopia, Senegal, USA, Colombia, Australia, France, Germany, Greece, Jordan and Iraq. International research teams, including the ALIEN project team, are seeking effective solutions to wicked problems accompanying migration and refugee processes. This empirical study discusses the application of this method to solving wicked problems surrounding migrants and refugees, especially their solution proposals developed within the ERASMUS+ ALIEN Strategic Partnerships project. The authors believe that they could be successfully used today on a large scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Magdalena PROCZEK & Marta GARBARCZYK, 2023. "Wicked Problems And The Design Thinking Method As A Tool To Solve These Problems. The Case Alien Project," Eastern European Journal for Regional Studies (EEJRS), Center for Studies in European Integration (CSEI), Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM), vol. 9(1), pages 21-31, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:aem:journl:v:9:y:2023:i:1:p:21-31
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.53486/2537-6179.9-1.02
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://csei.ase.md/journal/files/issue_91/2_EEJRS_Issue91-PROCZEK.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/https://doi.org/10.53486/2537-6179.9-1.02?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jacob Ricker-Gilbert & Thomas Jayne & Gerald Shively, 2013. "Editor's choice Addressing the "Wicked Problem" of Input Subsidy Programs in Africa," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 35(2), pages 322-340.
    2. Jacob Ricker-Gilbert & Thomas Jayne & Gerald Shively, 2013. "Addressing the 'Wicked Problem' of Input Subsidy Programs in Africa," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 35(2), pages 322-340.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Sylvester Amoako Agyemang & Tomáš Ratinger & Miroslava Bavorová, 2022. "The Impact of Agricultural Input Subsidy on Productivity: The Case of Ghana," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(3), pages 1460-1485, June.
    2. Adam M. Komarek & Siwa Msangi, 2019. "Effect of changes in population density and crop productivity on farm households in Malawi," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 50(5), pages 615-628, September.
    3. Saenz, Mariana & Thompson, Eric, 2017. "Gender and Policy Roles in Farm Household Diversification in Zambia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 152-169.
    4. David J. Hemming & Ephraim W. Chirwa & Andrew Dorward & Holly J. Ruffhead & Rachel Hill & Janice Osborn & Laurenz Langer & Luke Harman & Hiro Asaoka & Chris Coffey & Daniel Phillips, 2018. "Agricultural input subsidies for improving productivity, farm income, consumer welfare and wider growth in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries: a systematic review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 14(1), pages 1-153.
    5. Wanjala, Bernadette, 2016. "Can the big push approach end rural poverty in Africa? : Insights from Sauri millennium village in Kenya," Other publications TiSEM 5a686b22-6749-4e9e-8bf4-4, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    6. Chibwana, Christopher & Shively, Gerald & Fisher, Monica & Jumbe, Charles & Masters, William A., 2014. "Measuring the impacts of Malawi’s farm input subsidy programme," African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, African Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 9(2), pages 1-16, April.
    7. Wossen, Tesfamicheal & Abdoulaye, Tahirou & Alene, Arega & Feleke, Shiferaw & Ricker-Gilbert, Jacob & Manyong, Victor & Awotide, Bola Amoke, 2017. "Productivity and Welfare Effects of Nigeria's e-Voucher-Based Input Subsidy Program," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 251-265.
    8. Resnick, Danielle & Babu, Suresh Chandra & Haggblade, Steven & Hendriks, Sheryl & Mather, David, 2015. "Conceptualizing drivers of policy change in agriculture, nutrition, and food security: The kaleidoscope model:," IFPRI discussion papers 1414, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    9. Sheahan, Megan & Barrett, Christopher B., 2017. "Ten striking facts about agricultural input use in Sub-Saharan Africa," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 12-25.
    10. Megan Sheahan & Joshua Ariga & T. S. Jayne, 2016. "Modeling the Effects of Input Market Reforms on Fertiliser Demand and Maize Production: A Case Study from Kenya," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 67(2), pages 420-447, June.
    11. Estelle Koussoubé & Céline Nauges, 2017. "Returns to fertiliser use: Does it pay enough? Some new evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 44(2), pages 183-210.
    12. Mason, Nicole M. & Jayne, Thomas S. & Walle, Nicolas van de, 2013. "Fertilizer Subsidies and Voting Patterns: Political Economy Dimensions of Input Subsidy Programs," 2013 Annual Meeting, August 4-6, 2013, Washington, D.C. 149580, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    13. Hyonyong Kang & Dong Hee Suh, 2023. "Exploring the Dynamic Effects of Agricultural Subsidies on Food Loss: Implications for Sustainable Food Security," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-11, February.
    14. Steele, Amanda J. Harker & Bergstrom, John C., 2018. "Tackling Wicked Problems in Applied Economics: An Application to the Bears Ears National Monument," 2018 Annual Meeting, August 5-7, Washington, D.C. 274843, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    15. Emmanuel Tumusiime & B. Wade Brorsen & Jeffrey D. Vitale, 2014. "Vertical integration in West Africa's cotton industry: are parastatals a second best solution?," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 45(S1), pages 129-143, November.
    16. Larson, Donald F. & Gurara, Daniel Zerfu, 2013. "A conceptual model of incomplete markets and the consequences for technology adoption policies in Ethiopia," Policy Research Working Paper Series 6681, The World Bank.
    17. Machina, Henry & Ngoma, Hambulo & Kuteya, Aukland, 2017. "Gendered impacts of agricultural subsidies in Zambia," MPRA Paper 87099, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    18. Asfaw, Solomon & Carraro, Alessandro, 2016. "Welfare Effect of Farm Input Subsidy Program in the Context of Climate Change: Evidence from Malawi," 2016 Fifth International Conference, September 23-26, 2016, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 246281, African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE).
    19. Ton, Giel & Klerkx, Laurens & de Grip, Karin & Rau, Marie-Luise, 2015. "Innovation grants to smallholder farmers: Revisiting the key assumptions in the impact pathways," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 9-23.
    20. Tschirley, David L. & Theriault, Veronique, 2013. "On the Institutional Details that Mediate the Impact of Cash Crops on Food Crop Intensification: The Case of Cotton," 2013 Annual Meeting, August 4-6, 2013, Washington, D.C. 151263, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    wicked problems; migration; refugee; Design Thinking; UNHCR;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • F53 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:aem:journl:v:9:y:2023:i:1:p:21-31. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Dr. Rodica CRUDU (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://edirc.repec.org/data/acecsmd.html .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.