Co-production of knowledge: A conceptual approach for integrative knowledge management in planning

Sustainable land use needs a manageable nexus of knowledge from planning practice, policy makers, the private economy, and civic society, as well as from scientific research. This is mutually dependent on the communicative and collaborative turn in spatial planning as well as by transdisciplinary research approaches. This paper offers an approach how to organise knowledge management and co-production of knowledge in the context of complex land use decisions. Therefore, a prototype of an internet-based knowledge platform is introduced based on a theoretical reflection of concepts for integrated information and knowledge management, as well as on practical experiences derived from a German case study. We conclude that sustainable land use requires Planning Support Systems (PSS) that combine transdisciplinary perspectives in order to co-produce robust knowledge. This also implies a transdisciplinary design of PSS. Challenges of implementation are discussed and further research is specified

Beyond projects: Benefits of research accompanying research: Reflections from the research programme Sustainable Land Management

For many actors in science and policy, the additional value of research accompanying research projects remains open. Referring to a recent publication in GAIA that introduces a typology for accompanying research (AR), this article discusses the central issues, content, processes and ongoing challenges in an AR project accompanying the German research programme Sustainable Land Management. The important value of AR can be seen in communication, networking, the reflexive generation of new knowledge and knowledge management based on trust building and competence. AR also exhibits great potential for research on cross-cutting issues in research programmes and has special significance for meta-studies on different research projects taking place under similar funding conditions. However, additional analyses are necessary for a better understanding of the outcomes and impacts of AR and to create wider appreciation and acceptance. © 2019 T. Weith et al

Social Media and Sustainable Communication. Rethinking the Role of Research and Innovation Networks.

Purpose – Recent studies demonstrate the serious influence of social media on scholarly communication. However, scientists from academia seem to be rather carful in trying new technologies (Kaiser, Köhler, Weith 2016), with most preferring private channels first (Pscheida et al., 2013). Nevertheless, science and innovation are a public issue of wide interest. Communication is a fundamental prerequisite for transfer of information and creation of knowledge, but not sufficient to sustainably implement knowledge in society (Johnson & Chang 2000). Any innovative development from R&D needs to be published and distributed by means of communication and learning. Only if processes of learning are added relevant knowledge can be converted into actions and become effective (Larsen-Freeman 2013). Design/methodology/approach – New media technologies open up a variety of technological tools and innovative individual and organizational collaboration patterns. Does science consider such opportunities? What kind of data can be used to investigate the ICT / social media usage from a functional perspective? The authors decided to build their argumentation on two cases studies, describing the structural design of research networks, which are indeed quite similar. Therefore, the funding measure „Sustainable Land Management” as well as the research network „eScience Saxony” were considered. Both combine a series of smaller R&D projects within the context of a wider network. The data shows, however, differences in structure and scope (some projects follow a transdisciplinary approach while others do not) as well as further similarities in relation to the usage of social media. Originality/value – As a research question it is examined how actors of network projects design processes of transfer and implementation of knowledge in their project networks. For the empirical investigation, qualitative data of the two cases is obtained and evaluated systematically. The findings emphasize (1) the equality of knowledge communication and organization of joint learning experiences and, moreover, (2) similar conceptual understanding of transfer across projects. Moreover, they (3) consider similar media scenarios as appropriate. Marginally, also (4) processes of communication and learning receive attention – which are used as the operationalization of transfer and implementation in the studied networks. Practical implications – The aim of the research presented is to investigate the various effects of the research networks as a specific form of organizational intervention (Härtel et al, 2015). The authors thereby give attention to the transfer and implementation strategies from the perspective of knowledge communication, in respect of knowledge management, and use theoretical approaches from different disciplines including developmental and social sciences (Stützer et al., 2013) as well as education and organizational studies to elaborate the meaning of research and innovation networks

How much of the real-world laboratory is hidden in current transdisciplinary research?

The concept of real-world laboratories is difficult to distinguish from the concept of transdisciplinary research. Thus, the question has arisen: to what extent is the real-world laboratory truly novel? If transdisciplinary research is considered a process providing only socially robust knowledge and orientation (instead of solutions), then the real-world lab could be thought of as a model in which evidence-supported solutions can be tested and adjusted, and progress can be achieved

How Much of the Real-World Laboratory Is Hidden in Current Transdisciplinary Research?

The concept of real-world laboratories is difficult to distinguish from the concept of transdisciplinary research. Thus, the question has arisen: to what extent is the real-world laboratory truly novel? If transdisciplinary research is considered a process providing only socially robust knowledge and orientation (instead of solutions), then the real-world lab could be thought of as a model in which evidence-supported solutions can be tested and adjusted, and progress can be achieved

Leitbilder und Strategien für Wissensstädte –das Beispiel Metropolregion Wien

Das Leitbild der Wissensgesellschaft gilt heute als strategisches Ziel vieler europäischer Städte und Metropolregionen. Ob London, Berlin oder Wien – Stadtentwicklungsplanung wie Stadtmarketing betonen die Stärken vorhandener Wissenseinrichtungen und weisen auf die Notwendigkeit ihrer Weiterentwicklung zu einer Wissensstadt bzw. -region hin. Wissen gilt als Schlüsselressource und Marke zugleich. Für die jeweilige Umsetzung kommen verschiedene Ansätze in Frage. Am Beispiel der Metropolregion Wien, die sich seit Jahren mit dem Thema beschäftigt, sollen konkrete Umsetzungsformen näher beleuchtet und die Rolle sowie die Möglichkeiten der räumlichen Planung in diesem Prozess analysiert werden.For many European metropolitan regions and urban areas the knowledge society is not only a vision but a strategic goal. In London, Berlin or Vienna urban development agencies and city marketing highlight the potential of existing knowledge-based organisations, structures and services and emphasize the necessity to develop a knowledge city or a knowledge region. Knowledge is seen as a key resource for development and change as well as for branding. To take advantage of all potentials and options various strategies and concepts are in discussion. Using the metropolitan region of Vienna as an example, explicit forms of implementation will be shown. Both opportunities and limits of spatial planning and regional policy to influence change processes will be addressed

Leitbilder und Strategien für Wissensstädte –das Beispiel Metropolregion Wien

For many European metropolitan regions and urban areas the knowledge society is not only a vision but a strategic goal. In London, Berlin or Vienna urban development agencies and city marketing highlight the potential of existing knowledge-based organisations, structures and services and emphasize the necessity to develop a knowledge city or a knowledge region. Knowledge is seen as a key resource for development and change as well as for branding. To take advantage of all potentials and options various strategies and concepts are in discussion. Using the metropolitan region of Vienna as an example, explicit forms of implementation will be shown. Both opportunities and limits of spatial planning and regional policy to influence change processes will be addressed.Das Leitbild der Wissensgesellschaft gilt heute als strategisches Ziel vieler europäischer Städte und Metropolregionen. Ob London, Berlin oder Wien – Stadtentwicklungsplanung wie Stadtmarketing betonen die Stärken vorhandener Wissenseinrichtungen und weisen auf die Notwendigkeit ihrer Weiterentwicklung zu einer Wissensstadt bzw. -region hin. Wissen gilt als Schlüsselressource und Marke zugleich. Für die jeweilige Umsetzung kommen verschiedene Ansätze in Frage. Am Beispiel der Metropolregion Wien, die sich seit Jahren mit dem Thema beschäftigt, sollen konkrete Umsetzungsformen näher beleuchtet und die Rolle sowie die Möglichkeiten der räumlichen Planung in diesem Prozess analysiert werden

Social Media and Sustainable Communication. Rethinking the Role of Research and Innovation Networks.

Purpose – Recent studies demonstrate the serious influence of social media on scholarly communication. However, scientists from academia seem to be rather carful in trying new technologies (Kaiser, Köhler, Weith 2016), with most preferring private channels first (Pscheida et al., 2013). Nevertheless, science and innovation are a public issue of wide interest. Communication is a fundamental prerequisite for transfer of information and creation of knowledge, but not sufficient to sustainably implement knowledge in society (Johnson & Chang 2000). Any innovative development from R&D needs to be published and distributed by means of communication and learning. Only if processes of learning are added relevant knowledge can be converted into actions and become effective (Larsen-Freeman 2013). Design/methodology/approach – New media technologies open up a variety of technological tools and innovative individual and organizational collaboration patterns. Does science consider such opportunities? What kind of data can be used to investigate the ICT / social media usage from a functional perspective? The authors decided to build their argumentation on two cases studies, describing the structural design of research networks, which are indeed quite similar. Therefore, the funding measure „Sustainable Land Management” as well as the research network „eScience Saxony” were considered. Both combine a series of smaller R&D projects within the context of a wider network. The data shows, however, differences in structure and scope (some projects follow a transdisciplinary approach while others do not) as well as further similarities in relation to the usage of social media. Originality/value – As a research question it is examined how actors of network projects design processes of transfer and implementation of knowledge in their project networks. For the empirical investigation, qualitative data of the two cases is obtained and evaluated systematically. The findings emphasize (1) the equality of knowledge communication and organization of joint learning experiences and, moreover, (2) similar conceptual understanding of transfer across projects. Moreover, they (3) consider similar media scenarios as appropriate. Marginally, also (4) processes of communication and learning receive attention – which are used as the operationalization of transfer and implementation in the studied networks. Practical implications – The aim of the research presented is to investigate the various effects of the research networks as a specific form of organizational intervention (Härtel et al, 2015). The authors thereby give attention to the transfer and implementation strategies from the perspective of knowledge communication, in respect of knowledge management, and use theoretical approaches from different disciplines including developmental and social sciences (Stützer et al., 2013) as well as education and organizational studies to elaborate the meaning of research and innovation networks

Leitbilder und Strategien für Wissensstädte –das Beispiel Metropolregion Wien

For many European metropolitan regions and urban areas the knowledge society is not only a vision but a strategic goal. In London, Berlin or Vienna urban development agencies and city marketing highlight the potential of existing knowledge-based organisations, structures and services and emphasize the necessity to develop a knowledge city or a knowledge region. Knowledge is seen as a key resource for development and change as well as for branding. To take advantage of all potentials and options various strategies and concepts are in discussion. Using the metropolitan region of Vienna as an example, explicit forms of implementation will be shown. Both opportunities and limits of spatial planning and regional policy to influence change processes will be addressed.Das Leitbild der Wissensgesellschaft gilt heute als strategisches Ziel vieler europäischer Städte und Metropolregionen. Ob London, Berlin oder Wien – Stadtentwicklungsplanung wie Stadtmarketing betonen die Stärken vorhandener Wissenseinrichtungen und weisen auf die Notwendigkeit ihrer Weiterentwicklung zu einer Wissensstadt bzw. -region hin. Wissen gilt als Schlüsselressource und Marke zugleich. Für die jeweilige Umsetzung kommen verschiedene Ansätze in Frage. Am Beispiel der Metropolregion Wien, die sich seit Jahren mit dem Thema beschäftigt, sollen konkrete Umsetzungsformen näher beleuchtet und die Rolle sowie die Möglichkeiten der räumlichen Planung in diesem Prozess analysiert werden