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Transdisciplinary Research along the Logic of Empowerment : Perspectives from Four Urban and Regional Transformation Projects

Author

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  • Rick Hölsgens

    (Social Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Evinger Platz 17, 44339 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Eva Wascher

    (Social Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Evinger Platz 17, 44339 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Carolin Bauer

    (City of Dortmund, International Relations, Betenstraße 19, 44122 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Judith Boll

    (Social Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Evinger Platz 17, 44339 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Stephanie Bund

    (Social Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Evinger Platz 17, 44339 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Saskia Dankwart-Kammoun

    (Professional School of Education, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany)

  • Irina Heese

    (Social Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Evinger Platz 17, 44339 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Katharina Schrot

    (Social Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Evinger Platz 17, 44339 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Jürgen Schultze

    (Social Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Evinger Platz 17, 44339 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Robert Tenambergen

    (Social Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Evinger Platz 17, 44339 Dortmund, Germany)

Abstract

Transformative research requires transdisciplinary collaboration, forcing researchers out of their disciplinary comfort zones. In transdisciplinary research projects, the role of (social) scientists changes, and non-scientific actors become part of research projects. Transdisciplinary research is particularly suited to not only generate scientific knowledge, but also invent real-world solutions and to innovative. This, however, does not come without challenges. Implementing a transdisciplinary project is time-consuming and requires the alignment of both the research and impact ambitions of all project partners. In this paper we build upon experiences gained in four transdisciplinary research projects and ask: (1) What is the transdisciplinary approach followed by the project? (2) Which opportunities and challenges can be identified for successful transdisciplinary collaborations? (3) What is the rationale for engaging in transdisciplinary research from the perspective of social scientists? Building upon the logics of interdisciplinary, a fourth logic, called the logic of empowerment , is identified as a driver for transdisciplinary research. Transdisciplinary collaboration empowers researchers to not only ‘discover’ innovations, i.e., to invent, but also to implement, i.e., to innovate.

Suggested Citation

  • Rick Hölsgens & Eva Wascher & Carolin Bauer & Judith Boll & Stephanie Bund & Saskia Dankwart-Kammoun & Irina Heese & Katharina Schrot & Jürgen Schultze & Robert Tenambergen, 2023. "Transdisciplinary Research along the Logic of Empowerment : Perspectives from Four Urban and Regional Transformation Projects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:5:p:4599-:d:1087654
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    References listed on IDEAS

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