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The Challenge of Transdisciplinary Research: A Case Study of Learning by Evaluation for Sustainable Transport Infrastructures

Author

Listed:
  • Robert Axelsson

    (Western Visayas Integrated Learning Centre, C/O Robert Axelsson, Schelinska gatan 4, SE-732 32 Arboga, Sweden)

  • Magnus Ljung

    (Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, SE-53223 Skara, Sweden)

  • Malgorzata Blicharska

    (Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden)

  • Michael Frisk

    (Swedish National Heritage Board, SE-114 84 Stockholm, Sweden)

  • Marianne Henningsson

    (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden)

  • Grzegorz Mikusiński

    (School for Forest Management, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-739 21 Skinnskatteberg, Sweden)

  • Lennart Folkeson

    (Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute, SE-581 95 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Görgen Göransson

    (School of Pure and Applied Natural Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden)

  • Sofia Jönsson-Ekström

    (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden)

  • Anders Sjölund

    (Swedish Transport Administration, SE-781 89 Borlänge, Sweden)

  • Jan Skoog

    (Swedish Transport Administration, SE-781 89 Borlänge, Sweden)

  • Johan Törnblom

    (School for Forest Management, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-739 21 Skinnskatteberg, Sweden)

  • Per Angelstam

    (School for Forest Management, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-739 21 Skinnskatteberg, Sweden)

Abstract
While transdisciplinary (TD) research is desired in order to solve real world sustainability issues, this may be challenging for both academic and non-academic participants. Supporting learning through evaluation, we analyzed a project aiming at sustainable transport infrastructures. After developing a TD research framework as a benchmark, two external independent evaluators interviewed all project researchers, representatives for end-users, and donors. The evaluators compared results with the framework, and evaluators and participants critically reflected on the results together. There were three inconsistencies relative to the framework: (1) limited understanding of TD research among project management, end-users, and most of the researchers; (2) no structured learning process among end-users; instead, they expressed very diverse opinions about what they expected from the project; (3) project leaders had limited understanding of the special challenges of TD research, did not fully understand the status of the project’s social system, and thus did not act as facilitators of the required collaborative learning process. Non-academic participants saw themselves as customers and not as partners in the knowledge production process. We conclude that TD problem-solving research requires much time and needs facilitation and training. A preparatory phase with a lower level of funding would be helpful in preparing for TD processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Axelsson & Magnus Ljung & Malgorzata Blicharska & Michael Frisk & Marianne Henningsson & Grzegorz Mikusiński & Lennart Folkeson & Görgen Göransson & Sofia Jönsson-Ekström & Anders Sjölund & Jan, 2020. "The Challenge of Transdisciplinary Research: A Case Study of Learning by Evaluation for Sustainable Transport Infrastructures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:17:p:6995-:d:405011
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu Yang & Koen H. van Dam & Lufeng Zhang, 2020. "Developing Goals and Indicators for the Design of Sustainable and Integrated Transport Infrastructure and Urban Spaces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-34, November.

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