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A. Heilmann and H. Pundt
In transdisciplinary research the research activities are defined as those that deal with a lifeworld problem within an interdisciplinary team. The researchers are working in cooperation
with people who are affected by this lifeworld problem - the stakeholders - who provide
the necessary practical knowledge and are involved in the research process. The intensity
of cooperation depends on the type of project and can therefore be subject to fluctuations.
In the course of this cooperative research, it is possible to create (transcend) an amount of
knowledge and understanding that goes beyond the various disciplines, which is used to
solve the problem or that can make a positive contribution to coping with future problems
(knowledge platform or knowledge unit).
Bergmann et al. developed a guideline for TDR, in which they mention the
following five criteria of transdisciplinary research projects (Bergmann et al. 2005,
p. 15):
1. Reference to everyday problems and questions
2. Working in interdisciplinary research teams
3. Inclusion of relevant practical knowledge
4. Integration of the knowledge gained in the disciplines and practice
5. Formulation of new questions or solutions in order to bring the gained insights
into practice and science
TDR is usually a long-lasting process during which researchers and stakeholders
cooperate closely. A continuous evaluation of such processes is necessary to guarantee quality of results. The process can be divided into four phases: the input
phase, the throughput, the outcomes and output and the outcome and impact (Schulte
and Heilmann 2019). Every phase includes different criteria, although the criterion
sustainability is an indispensable part of every phase. This illustrates the point that
TDR is a relevant tool to implement the SDGs within the society.
TDR-related research and development can be carried out based on different
methodological approaches such as Third Mission, Citizen Science and Living Labs.
These approaches have been seen as independent methods so far. One outcome of
our research carried out over the past few years has been that instead of focusing
on only one procedure, a combination of the approaches can contribute significantly
to a sustainable implementation of measures that were derived collaboratively. In
order to develop a long-lasting decision support methodology, it is therefore necessary to determine the specific characteristics of the above-mentioned approaches. In
the following sections these methods are presented, compared and an application
example for the implementation of the SDG 13 “Climate action” is given.
2 Description of Approaches for Transdisciplinary
Research and Development
First, the three approaches introduced before will be explained briefly aiming at
laying a foundation for the following sections.
A. Heilmann and H. Pundt
In transdisciplinary research the research activities are defined as those that deal with a lifeworld problem within an interdisciplinary team. The researchers are working in cooperation
with people who are affected by this lifeworld problem - the stakeholders - who provide
the necessary practical knowledge and are involved in the research process. The intensity
of cooperation depends on the type of project and can therefore be subject to fluctuations.
In the course of this cooperative research, it is possible to create (transcend) an amount of
knowledge and understanding that goes beyond the various disciplines, which is used to
solve the problem or that can make a positive contribution to coping with future problems
(knowledge platform or knowledge unit).
Bergmann et al. developed a guideline for TDR, in which they mention the
following five criteria of transdisciplinary research projects (Bergmann et al. 2005,
p. 15):
1. Reference to everyday problems and questions
2. Working in interdisciplinary research teams
3. Inclusion of relevant practical knowledge
4. Integration of the knowledge gained in the disciplines and practice
5. Formulation of new questions or solutions in order to bring the gained insights
into practice and science
TDR is usually a long-lasting process during which researchers and stakeholders
cooperate closely. A continuous evaluation of such processes is necessary to guarantee quality of results. The process can be divided into four phases: the input
phase, the throughput, the outcomes and output and the outcome and impact (Schulte
and Heilmann 2019). Every phase includes different criteria, although the criterion
sustainability is an indispensable part of every phase. This illustrates the point that
TDR is a relevant tool to implement the SDGs within the society.
TDR-related research and development can be carried out based on different
methodological approaches such as Third Mission, Citizen Science and Living Labs.
These approaches have been seen as independent methods so far. One outcome of
our research carried out over the past few years has been that instead of focusing
on only one procedure, a combination of the approaches can contribute significantly
to a sustainable implementation of measures that were derived collaboratively. In
order to develop a long-lasting decision support methodology, it is therefore necessary to determine the specific characteristics of the above-mentioned approaches. In
the following sections these methods are presented, compared and an application
example for the implementation of the SDG 13 “Climate action” is given.
2 Description of Approaches for Transdisciplinary
Research and Development
First, the three approaches introduced before will be explained briefly aiming at
laying a foundation for the following sections.