1 A Knowledge-Based European Perspective on Sustainable Land …
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the role and significance of different actors and their inclusion in (political) planning processes, emphasised for more than a decade in institutionalist approaches
(cf. Ostrom 2011). Particular attention is paid to the knowledge stocks of these
actors, including their experience-based knowledge (co-production of knowledge).
This knowledge is not only used for a better understanding of problems and starting
situations, but also to prepare and implement decision processes. Thus, implementation orientation plays a special role. All this takes place in the highly complex context
of spatial and landscape development organised in a multi-level system (Reimer et al.
2014).
Co-design processes are increasingly assessed in science with regard to their
effects in decision-making processes. It is assumed that co-design processes can
raise acceptance because of their integrational and participative nature (Busse and
Siebert 2018) and can support the development and implementation of social innovations. That is why they play an important role in the discussion about change and
transition processes (Tschakert et al. 2016). At the same time, they are associated
with developing action possibilities for stakeholders and increasing the resilience
of decisions. In consequence, co-design approaches are much more than “simple”
participation processes, which have been known for a long time and in some cases
are applied in a formalised way (e.g. Arnstein 1969). They also go beyond the mere
application of learning loops or transdisciplinary concepts.
We therefore stress the early and ongoing involvement of a broad variety of actors
in solution-oriented processes that take up the role as knowledge providers alongside academic and technical experts. Ideally, the process consists of three steps:
the analysis of the state and drivers of change; the co-design and co-production of
knowledge; and the co-evolution and co-dissemination of that knowledge. We argue
that the comprehensive approach to sustainable land management should follow this
concept, and take up these three steps.
To conclude, the book is based on the assumption that successful—and hence
sustainable—land management (SLM) requires routines of knowledge co-production
to put sustainable land use into practice. It thus refers to ongoing debates on new
“modes” of science, which stress problem orientation, action, and negotiation of
research activities—as it is highlighted in the following chapters.
1.2 Overview of the Main Parts and the Single Chapters
The book starts with a foreword and this introductory overview. The main body is
subdivided accordingly into three main parts:
• “Land use: state and drivers in Europe”,
• “Co-production of knowledge”, and
• “Co-evolution: New system solutions and governance”.
• The book closes with a concluding and summarising “Outlook”.
5
the role and significance of different actors and their inclusion in (political) planning processes, emphasised for more than a decade in institutionalist approaches
(cf. Ostrom 2011). Particular attention is paid to the knowledge stocks of these
actors, including their experience-based knowledge (co-production of knowledge).
This knowledge is not only used for a better understanding of problems and starting
situations, but also to prepare and implement decision processes. Thus, implementation orientation plays a special role. All this takes place in the highly complex context
of spatial and landscape development organised in a multi-level system (Reimer et al.
2014).
Co-design processes are increasingly assessed in science with regard to their
effects in decision-making processes. It is assumed that co-design processes can
raise acceptance because of their integrational and participative nature (Busse and
Siebert 2018) and can support the development and implementation of social innovations. That is why they play an important role in the discussion about change and
transition processes (Tschakert et al. 2016). At the same time, they are associated
with developing action possibilities for stakeholders and increasing the resilience
of decisions. In consequence, co-design approaches are much more than “simple”
participation processes, which have been known for a long time and in some cases
are applied in a formalised way (e.g. Arnstein 1969). They also go beyond the mere
application of learning loops or transdisciplinary concepts.
We therefore stress the early and ongoing involvement of a broad variety of actors
in solution-oriented processes that take up the role as knowledge providers alongside academic and technical experts. Ideally, the process consists of three steps:
the analysis of the state and drivers of change; the co-design and co-production of
knowledge; and the co-evolution and co-dissemination of that knowledge. We argue
that the comprehensive approach to sustainable land management should follow this
concept, and take up these three steps.
To conclude, the book is based on the assumption that successful—and hence
sustainable—land management (SLM) requires routines of knowledge co-production
to put sustainable land use into practice. It thus refers to ongoing debates on new
“modes” of science, which stress problem orientation, action, and negotiation of
research activities—as it is highlighted in the following chapters.
1.2 Overview of the Main Parts and the Single Chapters
The book starts with a foreword and this introductory overview. The main body is
subdivided accordingly into three main parts:
• “Land use: state and drivers in Europe”,
• “Co-production of knowledge”, and
• “Co-evolution: New system solutions and governance”.
• The book closes with a concluding and summarising “Outlook”.