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?

Gabriele Bammer (), Michael O’Rourke, Deborah O’Connell, Linda Neuhauser, Gerald Midgley, Julie Thompson Klein, Nicola J. Grigg, Howard Gadlin, Ian R. Elsum, Marcel Bursztyn, Elizabeth A. Fulton, Christian Pohl, Michael Smithson, Ulli Vilsmaier, Matthias Bergmann, Jill Jaeger, Femke Merkx, Bianca Vienni Baptista, Mark A. Burgman, Daniel H. Walker, John Young, Hilary Bradbury, Lynn Crawford, Budi Haryanto, Cha-aim Pachanee, Merritt Polk and George P. Richardson
Additional contact information
Gabriele Bammer: The Australian National University
Michael O’Rourke: Michigan State University
Deborah O’Connell: CSIRO Land and Water
Linda Neuhauser: University of California
Gerald Midgley: University of Hull
Julie Thompson Klein: Wayne State University
Nicola J. Grigg: CSIRO Land and Water
Howard Gadlin: Retired
Ian R. Elsum: The Australian National University
Marcel Bursztyn: University of Brasília
Elizabeth A. Fulton: CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere
Christian Pohl: ETH Zurich
Michael Smithson: The Australian National University
Ulli Vilsmaier: Leuphana University of Lueneburg
Matthias Bergmann: Institute for Social-Ecological Research
Jill Jaeger: Independent Scholar
Femke Merkx: Kenniscocreatie, Onderzoek & Advies
Bianca Vienni Baptista: ETH Zurich
Mark A. Burgman: Imperial College London
Daniel H. Walker: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
John Young: International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP)
Hilary Bradbury: Action Research Plus Foundation (AR+)
Lynn Crawford: The University of Sydney
Budi Haryanto: University of Indonesia
Cha-aim Pachanee: Ministry of Public Health
Merritt Polk: University of Gothenburg
George P. Richardson: State University of New York

Palgrave Communications, 2020, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-019-0380-0

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