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Bridging Theories and Practices: Boundary Objects and Constellation Analysis as Vehicles for Interdisciplinary Knowledge Integration

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  • Berenike Feldhoff

    (Institute of Political Science, University of Muenster, 48151 Muenster, Germany)

  • Nils Stockmann

    (Institute of Political Science, University of Muenster, 48151 Muenster, Germany)

  • Nora Fanderl

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Anne-Kathrin Gahle

    (Institute of Human Factors and Technology Management IAT, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Antonia Graf

    (Institute of Political Science, University of Muenster, 48151 Muenster, Germany)

  • Matthias Leger

    (Stuttgart Research Center for Interdisciplinary Risk and Innovation Studies (ZIRIUS), University of Stuttgart, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Marco Sonnberger

    (Stuttgart Research Center for Interdisciplinary Risk and Innovation Studies (ZIRIUS), University of Stuttgart, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

Knowledge integration is a major challenge of interdisciplinary research. Substantially different stocks of knowledge based on different scientific backgrounds, uses of language, methodologies, and epistemologies must be integrated into the research process. Addressing this challenge, this paper exemplifies the process of interdisciplinary knowledge integration drawing on the example of the junior research group DynaMo—Mobility-Energy Dynamics in Urban Areas that deals with the sustainable transformation of urban mobility systems. This paper shows how we apply the boundary object concept in combination with the method of Constellation Analysis as vehicles for interdisciplinary knowledge integration. By innovatively combining the boundary object concept with Constellation Analysis we (a) suggest a self-reflective tool for structuring the process of knowledge integration and (b) further operationalize the boundary object with the help of core concepts. The approach is illustrated with the boundary object sustainable transformation of urban passenger mobility used by DynaMo. In doing so, the paper aims to add an instrument to the toolkit of inter- and transdisciplinary research and offers practical knowledge for its application.

Suggested Citation

  • Berenike Feldhoff & Nils Stockmann & Nora Fanderl & Anne-Kathrin Gahle & Antonia Graf & Matthias Leger & Marco Sonnberger, 2019. "Bridging Theories and Practices: Boundary Objects and Constellation Analysis as Vehicles for Interdisciplinary Knowledge Integration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:19:p:5357-:d:271571
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jahn, Thomas & Bergmann, Matthias & Keil, Florian, 2012. "Transdisciplinarity: Between mainstreaming and marginalization," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 1-10.
    2. Thomas Berker & Ann Kristin Kvellheim, 2018. "Boundary Objects As Facilitators in Sustainable Building Research," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 45(2), pages 202-210.
    3. Paul R. Carlile, 2002. "A Pragmatic View of Knowledge and Boundaries: Boundary Objects in New Product Development," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(4), pages 442-455, August.
    4. Bob Giddings & Bill Hopwood & Geoff O'Brien, 2002. "Environment, economy and society: fitting them together into sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 10(4), pages 187-196.
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