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Barriers to Research Collaboration across Disciplines: Scientific Paradigms and Institutional Practices

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  • Philip Lowe
  • Jeremy Phillipson

Abstract

In a recent paper in this journal it was suggested that the conventional knowledge practices of disciplines are the fundamental obstacle to mutual understanding between academic experts. Such a position, we argue, underplays the institutional relationships that recreate expert and disciplinary divides. To demonstrate our case we discuss how in the UK the evolving relationship between the government and research councils has crucially altered the context for efforts to stimulate interdisciplinary research. Our analysis highlights the scope for changes in institutional structures and practices that would facilitate broader and more encompassing research into complex sustainability problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip Lowe & Jeremy Phillipson, 2009. "Barriers to Research Collaboration across Disciplines: Scientific Paradigms and Institutional Practices," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 41(5), pages 1171-1184, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:41:y:2009:i:5:p:1171-1184
    DOI: 10.1068/a4175
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Philip Lowe & Jeremy Phillipson, 2006. "Reflexive Interdisciplinary Research: The Making of a Research Programme on the Rural Economy and Land Use," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(2), pages 165-184, July.
    2. Chris Caswill & Robin Wensley, 2007. "Doors and boundaries: A recent history of the relationship between research and practice in UK organizational and management research," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(3), pages 293-320.
    3. Robert Evans & Simon Marvin, 2006. "Researching the Sustainable City: Three Modes of Interdisciplinarity," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 38(6), pages 1009-1028, June.
    4. Mariella Marzano & David N. Carss & Sandra Bell, 2006. "Working to Make Interdisciplinarity Work: Investing in Communication and Interpersonal Relationships," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(2), pages 185-197, July.
    5. Stewart, Jenny, 1995. "Models of priority-setting for public sector research," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 115-126, January.
    6. Dietmar Braun, 2003. "Lasting tensions in research policy-making — a delegation problem," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 30(5), pages 309-321, October.
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