Bridge over troubled water: managing compatibility and conflict among thought collectives in sustainability science

Soininen, Niko; Raymond, Christopher M.; Tuomisto, Hanna; Ruotsalainen, Laura; Thoren, Henrik; Horcea-Milcu, Andra-Ioana; Stojanovic, Milutin; Lehtinen, Sanna; Mazac, Rachel; Lamuela, Carlos; Korpelainen, Noora; Vainio, Annukka; Toivanen, Reetta; McPhearson, Timon; Nagatsu, Michiru

doi:10.1007/s11625-021-01068-w

Research article2022Peer reviewedOpen access

Bridge over troubled water: managing compatibility and conflict among thought collectives in sustainability science

Soininen, Niko; Raymond, Christopher M.; Tuomisto, Hanna; Ruotsalainen, Laura; Thoren, Henrik; Horcea-Milcu, Andra-Ioana; Stojanovic, Milutin; Lehtinen, Sanna; Mazac, Rachel; Lamuela, Carlos; Korpelainen, Noora; Vainio, Annukka; Toivanen, Reetta; McPhearson, Timon; Nagatsu, Michiru

Abstract

Sustainability transformations call forth new forms and systems of knowledge across society. However, few tools and processes exist for promoting dialogue among different interests and normative stances in knowledge co-creation. In this article, we build on the notion of thought collectives to argue that understanding and moderating normative tensions are necessary if sustainability science is to provide successful solutions. Drawing on an analysis of the normative tensions between rival high-tech and low-tech thought collectives in the mobility and food production sectors, we discuss three strategic approaches: applying common evaluative frameworks, building contextual convergence and embracing complexity. We argue that these strategies indicate a need to distinguish different kinds of reflexivity in managing tensions among thought collectives. As a practical conclusion, we establish sets of reflexive questions to help sustainability scientists deploy the knowledge management strategies discussed.

Keywords

Thought collective; Sustainability science; Research management; Reflexivity; Mobility; Food production

Published in

Sustainability Science
2022, volume: 17, number: 1, pages: 27-44
Publisher: SPRINGER JAPAN KK

SLU Authors

Raymond, Christopher
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- University of Helsinki

Global goals (SDG)

SDG2 Zero hunger
SDG12 Responsible consumption and production
SDG17 Partnerships for the goals

UKÄ Subject classification

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-021-01068-w

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/114928