Structure matters : real-world laboratories as a new type of large-scale research infrastructure ; a framework inspired by Giddens' structuration theory
- In this paper we highlight the importance of structural dimensions of real-world laboratories (RwLs). Giddens' structuration theory provides a promising framework to better understand the interlinked abstract and physical (infra-)structural features of RwLs. We argue that research on and in RwLs needs to be sensitive to the spatial, temporal, and thematic scope of structuration processes. A systematic conceptualization of these dimensions remains an important task for future research. In order to arrive at such a more in-depth understanding and possibly an improvement in the transferability of knowledge created in RwLs, the idea proposed by the WBGU should be taken up: building RwLs for the long term and focusing more explicitly on theirIn this paper we highlight the importance of structural dimensions of real-world laboratories (RwLs). Giddens' structuration theory provides a promising framework to better understand the interlinked abstract and physical (infra-)structural features of RwLs. We argue that research on and in RwLs needs to be sensitive to the spatial, temporal, and thematic scope of structuration processes. A systematic conceptualization of these dimensions remains an important task for future research. In order to arrive at such a more in-depth understanding and possibly an improvement in the transferability of knowledge created in RwLs, the idea proposed by the WBGU should be taken up: building RwLs for the long term and focusing more explicitly on their structural dimensions. First steps have been taken in the German city of Wuppertal where a RwL infrastructure has been built up over the course of various projects including a broad variety of resources, actors, and topics in the broader search and learning process for sustainable transitioning.…
Document Type: | Peer-Reviewed Article |
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Author: | Uwe SchneidewindORCiDGND, Karoline Augenstein, Franziska StelzerORCiDGND, Matthias Wanner |
URN (citable link): | https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:bsz:wup4-opus-69689 |
DOI (citable link): | https://doi.org/10.14512/gaia.27.S1.5 |
Year of Publication: | 2018 |
Language: | English |
Source Title (English): | Gaia |
Volume: | 27 |
Issue: | S1 |
First Page: | 12 |
Last Page: | 17 |
Divisions: | Präsidialbereich |
Dewey Decimal Classification: | 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften |
Licence: | Creative Commons - Namensnennung |