Bridging Theories and Practices: Boundary Objects and Constellation Analysis as Vehicles for Interdisciplinary Knowledge Integration

Berenike Feldhoff, Nils Stockmann, Nora Fanderl, Anne-Kathrin Gahle, Antonia Graf, Matthias Leger and Marco Sonnberger
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Berenike Feldhoff: Institute of Political Science, University of Muenster, 48151 Muenster, Germany
Nils Stockmann: Institute of Political Science, University of Muenster, 48151 Muenster, Germany
Nora Fanderl: Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Anne-Kathrin Gahle: Institute of Human Factors and Technology Management IAT, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Antonia Graf: Institute of Political Science, University of Muenster, 48151 Muenster, Germany
Matthias Leger: Stuttgart Research Center for Interdisciplinary Risk and Innovation Studies (ZIRIUS), University of Stuttgart, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany
Marco Sonnberger: Stuttgart Research Center for Interdisciplinary Risk and Innovation Studies (ZIRIUS), University of Stuttgart, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: Knowledge integration is a major challenge of interdisciplinary research. Substantially different stocks of knowledge based on different scientific backgrounds, uses of language, methodologies, and epistemologies must be integrated into the research process. Addressing this challenge, this paper exemplifies the process of interdisciplinary knowledge integration drawing on the example of the junior research group DynaMo—Mobility-Energy Dynamics in Urban Areas that deals with the sustainable transformation of urban mobility systems. This paper shows how we apply the boundary object concept in combination with the method of Constellation Analysis as vehicles for interdisciplinary knowledge integration. By innovatively combining the boundary object concept with Constellation Analysis we (a) suggest a self-reflective tool for structuring the process of knowledge integration and (b) further operationalize the boundary object with the help of core concepts. The approach is illustrated with the boundary object sustainable transformation of urban passenger mobility used by DynaMo. In doing so, the paper aims to add an instrument to the toolkit of inter- and transdisciplinary research and offers practical knowledge for its application.

Keywords: interdisciplinarity; knowledge integration; transdisciplinary research; boundary objects; constellation analysis; sustainable urban mobility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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