TY - CHAP
T1 - Integration
AU - Pohl, Christian
AU - Van Kerkhoff, Lorrae
AU - Hadorn, Gertrude Hirsch
AU - Bammer, Gabriele
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - Integration is a core feature of transdisciplinary research. The challenge we address is that there has been no systematic development of integration concepts and methods. Historically, crossing boundaries between disciplines and between research and practice became a particular feature of 20th century research. Three cognitive objectives influenced this development - (1) the ideal of a unity of all sciences and other disciplines, (2) solving problems in basic research by innovation, and (3) responding to the knowledge demands of the knowledge society. We present key entry points for a more systematic discussion of integration methods. We develop a matrix with three basic types of collaboration - common group learning, deliberation among experts, and integration by a subgroup or individual - and four methods of integration - mutual understanding, theoretical concepts, models and products. After focusing 'inwards' on research methodology, we look 'outwards' at institutional support and constraints, and explore integration within and beyond science and integration across activities and across structures. Finally we explore the relationship between funding, capacity and demonstrated success, and argue that we are at a cross-roads which will determine whether this relationship becomes a vicious or virtuous cycle. We suggest that promoting a virtuous cycle requires the development of integrative methodology and a college of peers and outline steps towards this.
AB - Integration is a core feature of transdisciplinary research. The challenge we address is that there has been no systematic development of integration concepts and methods. Historically, crossing boundaries between disciplines and between research and practice became a particular feature of 20th century research. Three cognitive objectives influenced this development - (1) the ideal of a unity of all sciences and other disciplines, (2) solving problems in basic research by innovation, and (3) responding to the knowledge demands of the knowledge society. We present key entry points for a more systematic discussion of integration methods. We develop a matrix with three basic types of collaboration - common group learning, deliberation among experts, and integration by a subgroup or individual - and four methods of integration - mutual understanding, theoretical concepts, models and products. After focusing 'inwards' on research methodology, we look 'outwards' at institutional support and constraints, and explore integration within and beyond science and integration across activities and across structures. Finally we explore the relationship between funding, capacity and demonstrated success, and argue that we are at a cross-roads which will determine whether this relationship becomes a vicious or virtuous cycle. We suggest that promoting a virtuous cycle requires the development of integrative methodology and a college of peers and outline steps towards this.
KW - College of peers
KW - Evaluation
KW - Forms of collaboration
KW - Institutional constraints andbreak opportunities
KW - Means of integration
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=52949131124&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/978-1-4020-6699-3_27
DO - 10.1007/978-1-4020-6699-3_27
M3 - Chapter
AN - SCOPUS:52949131124
SN - 9781402066986
SP - 411
EP - 424
BT - Handbook of Transdisciplinary Research
PB - Springer Netherlands
ER -