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Expertise in research integration and implementation for tackling complex problems: when is it needed, where can it be found and how can it be strengthened?

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriele Bammer

    (The Australian National University
    Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies)

  • Michael O’Rourke

    (Michigan State University)

  • Deborah O’Connell

    (CSIRO Land and Water)

  • Linda Neuhauser

    (University of California)

  • Gerald Midgley

    (University of Hull
    Mälardalen University
    Victoria University of Wellington
    University of Canterbury)

  • Julie Thompson Klein

    (Wayne State University
    ETH Zurich)

  • Nicola J. Grigg

    (CSIRO Land and Water)

  • Howard Gadlin

    (Retired)

  • Ian R. Elsum

    (The Australian National University
    Swinburne University of Technology)

  • Marcel Bursztyn

    (University of Brasília
    INCT/Odisseia—Observatory of Socio-environmental Dynamics)

  • Elizabeth A. Fulton

    (CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere
    University of Tasmania)

  • Christian Pohl

    (ETH Zurich
    td-net, Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences)

  • Michael Smithson

    (The Australian National University)

  • Ulli Vilsmaier

    (Leuphana University of Lueneburg)

  • Matthias Bergmann

    (Institute for Social-Ecological Research
    Leuphana University of Lueneburg)

  • Jill Jaeger

    (Independent Scholar)

  • Femke Merkx

    (Kenniscocreatie, Onderzoek & Advies)

  • Bianca Vienni Baptista

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Mark A. Burgman

    (Imperial College London)

  • Daniel H. Walker

    (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research)

  • John Young

    (International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP))

  • Hilary Bradbury

    (Action Research Plus Foundation (AR+))

  • Lynn Crawford

    (The University of Sydney
    Cranfield University
    Bond University)

  • Budi Haryanto

    (University of Indonesia)

  • Cha-aim Pachanee

    (Ministry of Public Health)

  • Merritt Polk

    (University of Gothenburg)

  • George P. Richardson

    (State University of New York)

Abstract

Expertise in research integration and implementation is an essential but often overlooked component of tackling complex societal and environmental problems. We focus on expertise relevant to any complex problem, especially contributory expertise, divided into ‘knowing-that’ and ‘knowing-how.’ We also deal with interactional expertise and the fact that much expertise is tacit. We explore three questions. First, in examining ‘when is expertise in research integration and implementation required?,’ we review tasks essential (a) to developing more comprehensive understandings of complex problems, plus possible ways to address them, and (b) for supporting implementation of those understandings into government policy, community practice, business and social innovation, or other initiatives. Second, in considering ‘where can expertise in research integration and implementation currently be found?,’ we describe three realms: (a) specific approaches, including interdisciplinarity, transdisciplinarity, systems thinking and sustainability science; (b) case-based experience that is independent of these specific approaches; and (c) research examining elements of integration and implementation, specifically considering unknowns and fostering innovation. We highlight examples of expertise in each realm and demonstrate how fragmentation currently precludes clear identification of research integration and implementation expertise. Third, in exploring ‘what is required to strengthen expertise in research integration and implementation?,’ we propose building a knowledge bank. We delve into three key challenges: compiling existing expertise, indexing and organising the expertise to make it widely accessible, and understanding and overcoming the core reasons for the existing fragmentation. A growing knowledge bank of expertise in research integration and implementation on the one hand, and accumulating success in addressing complex societal and environmental problems on the other, will form a virtuous cycle so that each strengthens the other. Building a coalition of researchers and institutions will ensure this expertise and its application are valued and sustained.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriele Bammer & Michael O’Rourke & Deborah O’Connell & Linda Neuhauser & Gerald Midgley & Julie Thompson Klein & Nicola J. Grigg & Howard Gadlin & Ian R. Elsum & Marcel Bursztyn & Elizabeth A. Fulto, 2020. "Expertise in research integration and implementation for tackling complex problems: when is it needed, where can it be found and how can it be strengthened?," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 6(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:6:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-019-0380-0
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-019-0380-0
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    7. Arnott, James C., 2021. "Pens and purse strings: Exploring the opportunities and limits to funding actionable sustainability science," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(10).
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    16. Hannah B. Love & Jennifer E. Cross & Bailey Fosdick & Kevin R. Crooks & Susan VandeWoude & Ellen R. Fisher, 2021. "Interpersonal relationships drive successful team science: an exemplary case-based study," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, December.
    17. Sabine Hoffmann & Lisa Deutsch & Julie Thompson Klein & Michael O’Rourke, 2022. "Integrate the integrators! A call for establishing academic careers for integration experts," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-10, December.
    18. Alexandra R. Knight & Catherine Allan, 2021. "Intentional Ecology: Integrating environmental expertise through a focus on values, care and advocacy," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-9, December.
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