Transformative governance and science-policy-society interfaces
The aim of our research
Sustainability transformations and environmental policy rely strongly on knowledge and scientific evidence to create awareness and interest, generate momentum and to design adequate policies and governance arrangements. A central focus of our research has been to better understand knowledge needs of policy makers and how they acquire and exchange knowledge through different science-policy-society interfaces and co-design processes.
1. analysing how such interfaces work and what makes them effective (Spiral, InternAS)
2. designing and implementing new SPIs, or contributing to this (Eklipse, BioAgora, Biodiversity knowledge, TEEB)
3. providing guidance for implementing and effectively managing them. (Bioframe, IKI-NEA, CREATE)
Enabling or enhancing transformations towards sustainability goes beyond environmental policy, it requires rethinking governance arrangements and a stronger integration of social and environmental concerns in all policy fields. We have developed a conceptual framework to structure our analysis on how to increase the transformative potential of policies, projects and programmes. (Global Commons)
In specific projects, currently ranging from spatial planning, agriculture and land use change to biodiversity conservation we inquire on.
- Processes of collectively imagining desirable futures and agreeing on how to achieve the changes required to make it reality? (BioValue, HSDA, Rewild)
- Creating spaces for deliberation that allow for inclusion and agency across all groups of society?
- Ensuring the transformation of socio-ecological systems will lead to more sustainability? (Future Landscapes)
- Designing policies, processes or projects to nurture, nudge and navigate system transformation? (BioValue, BioFrame, Future Landscapes)
- Changing governance systems to enable transformation? (BioValue, Future Landscapes, GoST)
Affiliated scientists
Dr. Heidi Wittmer (working group lead)
Projects
You will find an overview of the current and completed projects in this research field in our project list.