eCite Digital Repository

Expertise in research integration and implementation for tackling complex problems: when is it needed, where can it be found and how can it be strengthened?

Citation

Bammer, G and O'Rourke, M and O'Connell, D and Neuhauser, L and Midgley, G and Klein, JT and Grigg, NJ and Gadlin, H and Elsum, IR and Bursztyn, M and Fulton, EA and Pohl, C and Smithson, M and Vilsmaier, U and Bergmann, M and Jaeger, J and Merkx, F and Vienni Baptista, B and Burgman, MA and Walker, DH and Young, J and Bradbury, H and Crawford, L and Haryanto, B and Pachanee, Ca and Polk, M and Richardson, GP, Expertise in research integration and implementation for tackling complex problems: when is it needed, where can it be found and how can it be strengthened?, Palgrave Communications, 6, (1) Article 5. ISSN 2055-1045 (2020) [Refereed Article]


Preview		PDF
799Kb		  

Copyright Statement

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/

DOI: doi:10.1057/s41599-019-0380-0

Abstract

Expertise in research integration and implementation is an essential but often overlooked component of tackling complex societal and environmental problems. We focus on expertise relevant to any complex problem, especially contributory expertise, divided into ‘knowing-that’ and ‘knowing-how.’ We also deal with interactional expertise and the fact that much expertise is tacit. We explore three questions. First, in examining ‘when is expertise in research integration and implementation required?,’ we review tasks essential (a) to developing more comprehensive understandings of complex problems, plus possible ways to address them, and (b) for supporting implementation of those understandings into government policy, community practice, business and social innovation, or other initiatives. Second, in considering ‘where can expertise in research integration and implementation currently be found?,’ we describe three realms: (a) specific approaches, including interdisciplinarity, transdisciplinarity, systems thinking and sustainability science; (b) case-based experience that is independent of these specific approaches; and (c) research examining elements of integration and implementation, specifically considering unknowns and fostering innovation. We highlight examples of expertise in each realm and demonstrate how fragmentation currently precludes clear identification of research integration and implementation expertise. Third, in exploring ‘what is required to strengthen expertise in research integration and implementation?,’ we propose building a knowledge bank. We delve into three key challenges: compiling existing expertise, indexing and organising the expertise to make it widely accessible, and understanding and overcoming the core reasons for the existing fragmentation. A growing knowledge bank of expertise in research integration and implementation on the one hand, and accumulating success in addressing complex societal and environmental problems on the other, will form a virtuous cycle so that each strengthens the other. Building a coalition of researchers and institutions will ensure this expertise and its application are valued and sustained.

Item Details

Item Type:Refereed Article
Keywords:research integration, complex systems, environmental management
Research Division:Environmental Sciences
Research Group:Environmental management
Research Field:Environmental management not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:Environmental Management
Objective Group:Marine systems and management
Objective Field:Marine systems and management not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:Fulton, EA (Dr Elizabeth Fulton)
ID Code:143227
Year Published:2020
Web of Science® Times Cited:65
Deposited By:Ecology and Biodiversity
Deposited On:2021-03-06
Last Modified:2021-06-23
Downloads:6 View Download Statistics

Repository Staff Only: item control page