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An Inter- and Transdisciplinary Approach to Developing and Testing a New Sustainable Mobility System

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Gebhardt

    (Institute of Transport Research, German Aerospace Center, 12489 Berlin, Germany)

  • Mascha Brost

    (Institute of Vehicle Concepts, German Aerospace Center, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Alexandra König

    (Institute of Transportation Systems, German Aerospace Center, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany)

Abstract

Sustainability research is frequently tasked with the development of concrete solutions that can be directly applied to socio-environmental problems as such this paper presents and discusses an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to developing and testing a mobility-on-demand-system in a “real world laboratory” set up in Schorndorf, Germany. This paper addresses the following questions: (1) How can stakeholders be involved in the research and development process and become co-designers? (2) What are the suitable ways of supporting and facilitating interdisciplinary exchange and joint work at different places? The main contribution of this paper is the description of a methodological approach. It thereby reflects on the process of inter- and transdisciplinary work in the development phase and pilot operation. In addition, a joint working document, a so called “Specification Book”, is utilized to facilitate teamwork and enable the exchange of scientific knowledge within the team. The experiences in the project are also reflected upon and specific recommendations are determined. The paper further reflects on the possibilities and challenges of the methodology and provides recommendations for its application. The originality of the paper lies in its description and reflection of a method that goes beyond the participation of users in the design phase of the project.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Gebhardt & Mascha Brost & Alexandra König, 2019. "An Inter- and Transdisciplinary Approach to Developing and Testing a New Sustainable Mobility System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-22, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:24:p:7223-:d:298671
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    Cited by:

    1. Nadine Kostorz & Eva Fraedrich & Martin Kagerbauer, 2021. "Usage and User Characteristics—Insights from MOIA, Europe’s Largest Ridepooling Service," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Turan, Fikret Korhan, 2024. "A theoretical stakeholder model of automotive industry and policy implications for sustainable transport after Dieselgate," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 192-205.
    3. Ann Kathrin Stinder & Nora Schelte & Semih Severengiz, 2022. "Application of Mixed Methods in Transdisciplinary Research Projects on Sustainable Mobility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-25, June.
    4. Amelie Ewert & Mascha Brost & Christine Eisenmann & Sylvia Stieler, 2020. "Small and Light Electric Vehicles: An Analysis of Feasible Transport Impacts and Opportunities for Improved Urban Land Use," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-17, October.
    5. Gillian Harrison & Astrid Gühnemann & Simon Shepherd, 2020. "The Business Case for a Journey Planning and Ticketing App—Comparison between a Simulation Analysis and Real-World Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-21, May.
    6. Gerlak, Andrea K. & Guido, Zack & Owen, Gigi & McGoffin, Mariana Sofia Rodriguez & Louder, Elena & Davies, Julia & Smith, Kelly Jay & Zimmer, Andy & Murveit, Anna M. & Meadow, Alison & Shrestha, Padme, 2023. "Stakeholder engagement in the co-production of knowledge for environmental decision-making," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    7. Joost, Jan-Marc & Lanzendorf, Martin & Weicker, Tonio, 2025. "Mobility transition through labs in real-world contexts. The contribution of transdisciplinary approaches in creating sustainable transportation systems," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).

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