Inter- and Transdisciplinary University: A systems approach to education and innovation
TL;DR: In this article, a transdisciplinary structure for the university is briefly outlined; its main elements are three types of organizational units, which focus on the interdisciplinary coordination between the three pairs of levels in the education/innovation system, i.e., on method and organization rather than on accumulated knowledge.
Abstract: In response to various pressures for change arising from the present situation, the university will have to adopt a new purpose which may be recognized as a means of increasing the capability of society for continuous self-renewal. With this new purpose in mind, the structure of the university will be determined by the concept of an integral education/innovation system for which four principal levels are considered: empirical, pragmatic, normative and purposive levels. From multi-, pluri-, and crossdisciplinary approaches, all pertaining to one systems level only, the university is expected to develop increasingly interdisciplinary approaches, linking two systems levels and coordinating the activities at the lower level from the higher level through common axiomatics. Ultimately, the entire education/innovation system may become coordinated as a multilevel multigoal hierarchical system through a transdisciplinary approach, implying generalized axiomatics and mutual enhancement of disciplinary epistemology. Current university approaches to develop interdisciplinary links between the pragmatic and normative systems levels are discussed. Finally, a transdisciplinary structure for the university is briefly outlined; its main elements are three types of organizational units—systems design laboratories, function-oriented departments, and discipline-oriented departments—which focus on the interdisciplinary coordination between the three pairs of levels in the education/innovation system, i.e., on method and organization rather than on accumulated knowledge. An important role for policy sciences is seen in the linkage between the top pair of systems levels.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify main features of an emerging shared framework of transdisciplinarity and propose a conceptual model of trans-discipline that can be used by science and science policy to characterize different types of trans discipline and their corresponding demands on integration.
728 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the meanings of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research approaches are defined to ease discourse on their application in landscape ecological research, and the need to develop integrative theory and methods and argue that we should be more explicit when using integrative research concepts in project proposals, project work and publications.
Abstract: Integrative research approaches are intensely discussed in landscape ecology, in academia and in research policy. However, confusion over the terminology hampers communication. Many current landscape ecological research projects have difficulties to agree on a common understanding of the core concepts associated with different forms of integrative research. This is also evidenced by the lack of discussion of integrative research concepts in published papers. This hinders integration in research projects and makes the comparison and evaluation of the outcomes of different research concepts impossible. This paper discusses and defines the meanings of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary (= integrative) research approaches to ease discourse on their application in landscape ecological research. It reviews definitions of the concepts found in the research literature and develops definitions of integrative and associated research concepts (disciplinarity, multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity) based on their degree of disciplinary integration and involvement of non-academics. Integrative concepts are viewed as a continuum rather than as fixed categories. The paper discusses the need to develop integrative theory and methods and argues that we should be more explicit when using integrative research concepts in project proposals, project work and publications. Finally, the paper reflects on the ongoing discussion in landscape ecology concerning whether it is developing from an integrative research field towards a discipline in its own right.
306 citations
TL;DR: The transdisciplinary landscape concept as mentioned in this paper is based on five dimensions of landscapes: the spatial entity, the mental entity, temporal dimension, the nexus of nature and culture, and the systemic properties of landscapes.
268 citations
240 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present 10 major premises serving as a holistic conception for research on multifunctional landscapes (MFLs) and propose a transdisciplinary and integrative approach towards the landscape as a whole, which can help bridge the gaps between all biological and human ecological aspects related to land use.
233 citations