A concept model for the linking of scientific research to the design and creation of sustainable socio-technical-ecological systems

Conference poster, 2011

A concept model for the linking of scientific research to the design and creation of sustainable socio-technical-ecological systems Context and research question The linking of scientific research to decision-making ("design") and action – in widely different situations, with vastly different consequences - is a specific challenge for various kinds of sustainability research regardless of the research is disciplinary, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary. How can this linking between science and decision-making be conceptualized? Method The suggested model is based on a careful analysis of available models and critical discussions with colleagues and students. Main conclusions The linking can be seen as a learning process where a set of very different actors, with vastly different values and interests, need to collaborate in order to achieve overarching and long-term goals. A simple general and scalable conceptual model for this end is presented. The main features are two connected loops (or three subsystems) - one scientific/academic and one designing-deciding-acting. Within the scientific loop the ordinary scientific activities are found and in the designing-loop the activities of design and implementation are outlined. The model which draws on models from experiential learning (Kolb) and soft systems methodology (Checkland) can be useful when reflecting on the possible contributions from scientific – both disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary - research to societal action on the long-term environmental challenges related to sustainability such as population growth, increasing energy and material flows, resource limitations and the effects on supporting ecosystem services.