What is the role of transdisciplinary research and learning in policy processes for navigating societal challenges? This session guides the complex terrain where transdisciplinarity converges with policy by clarifying, questioning, and suggesting transdisciplinary approaches which would support a co-productive model of science-policy practice.

In our session, we discuss with the researchers who have been or currently involved in four transdisciplinary research projects which include the participation of one or more of the four “policy cultures” for decision making (Elzinga, 1996). Most of these projects are PhD projects which had the freedom to explore innovative forms of collaboration in science-policy practice, while being embedded in an academic environment with a longstanding tradition of participatory policy analysis, with actors from diverse policy cultures. Through the exploration of the stories from each of the researchers in domains spanning from the co-design of coastal water management, energy citizenship, social business models for coastal landscapes and living labs, we discuss the existing frameworks for understanding the various types of science-policy practices as they relate to transdisciplinary research. We reflect on our how the latest approaches are pioneering in this space and on what still might be missing. We also welcome the audience to share their experiences in this endeavour. The aim of the session is to collectively identify next steps in addressing the societal challenges that require a rethinking of our collective values and goals for the future. The discussion will build on existing models on the role of transdisciplinary research in science-policy practices. We will be building on the distinction between “type one” and “type two” transdisciplinary research (Pohl, 2008) which is either primarily focused on reorganizing knowledge or facilitates a co-production of knowledge between various ‘policy cultures’ (Elzinga and Jamison, 1995). We will also be referring to the delineation between “linear” and a “co-productive” model of science-policy practices (Maas et al., 2022). This distinction stems from the context of interaction and result in different expectations, competencies needed by the researchers involved.

The panel starts with a reflection on the interaction between transdisciplinary research and the policy processes. We then take stock of where the arena of interaction is currently and where it needs to go in order to more effectively contribute to societal challenges, in particular related to those where social, ecological and technological systems converge.

The discourse continues with a comprehensive exploration of policy-spanning concepts and methods to inform transdisciplinary research. The panellists will dissect how policy concepts can be employed as tools, methods, and frameworks within transdisciplinary settings and how transdisciplinary approaches can be adapted for policy arenas.

Grounded in the overarching theme of enhancing theoretical foundations, this panel invites participants to engage in a transformative dialogue, reshaping our perceptions, challenging assumptions, and forging new paths at the intersection of transdisciplinarity and policy. Join us as we embark on a journey through the Looking Glass, envisioning a future where theory becomes the bedrock for innovative, collaborative, and impactful research endeavours.

Description

Panel discussion of four participants and a moderator. We will open with a brief 5-minute introduction. Each participant will give a 3-5 min introduction of their project before we continue with a discussion. The last 15 minutes of the session will be reserved for question-and-answer session. We will need around six chairs and two microphones if the room is too big.

Suggested stream topic for panel: 1. Enhancing the theoretical foundations of inter- and transdisciplinary (from a policy perspective)

Questions for the panel:

- What was the context and rationale of each of the TD projects and how are they positioned between transdisciplinary research and policy objectives?

- How did you apply policy concepts and methods in a transdisciplinary setting and vice versa?

- What implications do you think TD has for policy and vice versa?

- What can we learn from policy research (methods/concepts) for transdisciplinary settings?

- In your role as a pioneering researcher in the intersection of these fields, where do you see the main contribution of your work in reconsidering the role of diverse actors in society in both bottom-up and top-down decision-making?

Key readings:

Pohl, C. (2008). From science to policy through transdisciplinary research. Environmental Science & Policy, 11(1), 46–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2007.06.001

Maas, T. Y., Pauwelussen, A., & Turnhout, E. (2022). Co-producing the science–policy interface: Towards common but differentiated responsibilities. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 9(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-022-01108-5