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Ways of evaluating the societal impact of real-world labs as a transdisciplinary and transformative research format are under discussion. We present an evaluation approach rooted in structuration theory, with a focus on structure-agency dynamics at the science-society interface. We applied the theory with its four modalities (interpretation schemes, norms, allocative and authoritative resources) to the case of the Mirke neighbourhood in Wuppertal, Germany. Six projects promoted the capacity for co-productive city-making. The effects of the projects were jointly analysed in a co-evaluation process. Previously proposed subcategories of the modalities as an empirical operationalisation were tested and confirmed as being applicable. Five new subcategories were generated. The use of the modalities seems appropriate for co-evaluation processes. The tool is practical, focused on real-world effects, and suitable for transdisciplinary interpretation processes. We encourage further empirical testing of the tool, as well as development of the subcategories.
Gaining deep leverage? : Reflecting and shaping real-world lab impacts through leverage points
(2024)
Real-world laboratories (RwLs) are gaining further traction as a means to achieve systemic impacts towards sustainability transformation. To guide the analysis of intended impacts, we introduce the concept of leverage points, discerning where, how, and to what end RwLs intervene in systems. Building on conceptual reasoning, we further develop our argument by exploring two RwL cases. Examining RwLs through the lens of the leverage points opens the way for a balanced and comprehensive approach to systemic experimentation. We invite RwL researchers and practitioners to further advance RwLs' transformative capacity by targeting the design and emerging direction of a system, contributing to a culture of sustainability.
Real-world labs are witnessing continued growth and institutionalization in the field of transformation-oriented sustainability research, as well as in adjacent disciplines. With their experimental research agendas, these labs aim at sustainability transformations, however, there is still a need to improve the understanding of their impacts. Drawing from this Special Issue's contributions, we offer a broad overview of the impacts achieved by various real-world labs, highlight the diverse areas and forms of impact, and elucidate strategies as well as mechanisms for achieving impact. We present methodological advances, and address common challenges along with potential solutions for understanding and realizing impact.
LinkLab is a newly established working group under the umbrella of German Committee Future Earth (DKN Future Earth). It opens up a space to discuss relevant connections and interfaces between real-world lab research and various scientific disciplines, exploring fruitful connections and pathways for mutual learning for future sustainability-oriented research.
Das Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK) möchte innovationsfreundliche Rahmenbedingungen für Reallabore schaffen. Im Sommer 2023 hat es dazu ein Grünbuch Reallabore veröffentlicht und einen Konsultationsprozess für ein Reallabore-Gesetz eingeleitet. Das Netzwerk Reallabore der Nachhaltigkeit begrüßt die Initiative, sieht aber zugleich erheblichen Gestaltungsbedarf. Die NaWis-Mitglieder unterstützen die hier vorgestellte Position des Netzwerks.
The co-operation between municipalities and civil society actors and their independent impulses for urban development are discussed under the terms of co-production and city-making. This article summarises these activities as co-productive city-making (koSM). Forms of as well as advantages and disadvantages of koSM have been discussed in research and practice so far, but analyses of the longitudinal genesis of these activities and their significance for the development of a specific area are rare. This article uses the longitudinally collected, mixed-method data of a constellation analysis of the development of the Mirke neighbourhood in Wuppertal/Germany. Based on four points in time, the dynamics as well as the spatial development of the koSM can be presented - individually and in comparison to other developments. It can be seen that the koSM in the Mirke has grown at an above-average and dynamic rate and can accordingly be interpreted as a motor of neighbourhood development. Main actors and locations are identified. The study is the basis for a follow-up work analysing the reasons and structural effects of the koSM. The koSM is discussed both in its interrelations with municipal action and in its significance for integrated and sustainable urban development. The method of constellation analysis is critically discussed with regard to the relationship between effort and benefit.
A growing number of transformative research practices that redefine the role of science in engaging with local - mostly urban - transformation processes have emerged in recent decades. However, while education is considered a key driver for sustainability transformations, higher education has been slow to develop and implement dedicated, appropriate and effective transformative education programmes and learning modules. In this paper, we present a framework of design principles for transformative learning modules in higher education. These principles are derived from two growing discourses: higher education sustainability learning, and transdisciplinary and transformative research - both of which are centrally anchored in the field of sustainable development and sustainability science. The principles presented provide guidance for course leaders in higher education to create learning modules aimed at enabling students to become engaged in transdisciplinary and transformative research that fosters sustainability transitions in local and urban contexts. We use the Transformative Innovation Lab (TIL) - a learning course developed and tested at two German universities - as an example of how the design principles can be applied. The module, which runs over two semesters, supports Masters students in their process of developing real-world laboratories and exploring urban sustainability transitions through collaborative experimentation with local practice partners. We discuss the factors that enable and limit the implementation of transformative learning modules and outline aspects of the novel roles adopted by lecturers in transformative teaching environments. Moreover, we highlight the need for both institutional change and transformative teaching formats that go beyond transformative research as key for driving universities to take responsibility for collaboratively fostering sustainability transitions in their local contexts.
Zentraler Ausgangspunkt des Vorhabens war die Frage nach der Rolle und Bedeutung von transformativem Lernen im Kontext sozial-ökologischer Transformationen und wie dieses im Rahmen schulischer und außerschulischer Umweltbildung und BNE ermöglicht und von der Umweltpolitik gestärkt und adressiert werden kann. Dazu entwickelte das Projekt in Kooperation zwischen Schulen und zivilgesellschaftlichen Nachhaltigkeitsinitiativen Lernwerkstätten im Modus des Service Learning und erprobte mittels Reallaborforschung, wie gesellschaftliches Engagement von Jugendlichen an Orten sozialer Innovationen mit fachlichem Lernen im Unterricht verknüpft werden kann. Der Schlussbericht präsentiert die zentralen theoretischen und empirischen Erkenntnisse des Projekts und liefert zudem eine umfassende Literaturanalyse zu bestehenden konzeptionellen Lerntheorien und Ansätzen um transformatives Lernen, BNE und Service Learning. Die Empfehlungen zur Förderung von Lernen im Kontext sozial-ökologischer Transformationsprozesse richten sich an Entscheidungsträger*innen in Umwelt- und Bildungspolitik und zeigen, dass hierfür das Lernen durch Engagement an Orten sozialer Innovationen als auch das Lernen in Kooperationen besonderes Potential haben.
Regionale Produkte sind im Trend. Kreative Manufakturen, offene Werkstätten und moderne Fertigungsmethoden verhelfen dem Handwerk in der Stadt zu einer Renaissance. Was ist daran eigentlich das Neue? Und warum schlummert darin so ein großes Potenzial für einen nachhaltigen Wohlstand und für lebenswerte Quartiere?
Knapp drei Jahre beforschte, förderte und vernetzte ein Projektteam aus Utopiastadt, dem Wuppertal Institut und dem transzent die Pioniere einer neuen Produktivität in der Region. Nun ist es an der Zeit, Bilanz zu ziehen - und nach vorne zu schauen, wo am Horizont die Visionen einer lebenswerten und produktiven Stadt von Morgen greifbar werden.
Der vorliegende Wegweiser ist die Essenz aus drei Jahren Forschung, Praxis und Dialog. Er weist eine neue Richtung für die Region und ihre gestaltenden Akteure. Ob Wirtschaftsförderung, Stadtverwaltung, Zivilgesellschaft, Gründerszene, Unternehmen oder Wissenschaft: Wir laden dazu ein, den Weg gemeinsam zu beschreiten!
Die nachhaltigkeitsorientierte Transformation von urbanen Räumen ist eine akute Herausforderung. In den letzten Jahren haben koproduktive, experimentelle, transdisziplinäre und häufig informelle Stadtwandelprojekte als Such- und Lösungsräume hohe Sichtbarkeit erlangt. Schlüsselakteure hierfür stellen - so die These - Verwaltungsvertreter:innen einer integrierten Stadtentwicklung und -planung, Wissenschaftler:innen einer transformativen Forschung sowie zivilgesellschaftliche Stadtmacher:innen dar. Die Autor:innen, verankert in diesen drei Gruppen, kritisieren die häufig nur situative Zusammenarbeit dieser drei Akteursgruppen. Ein Modell der Zusammenarbeit im Spannungsfeld zwischen Gemeinsamkeiten, jeweiligen Potentialen und herausfordernden Eigenlogiken der Akteurssysteme wird entwickelt. Darauf aufbauend wird vorgestellt, wie durch strategischen Trialog und reflexive Lernprozesse die Zusammenarbeit verbessert und die Wirksamkeit koproduktiven und experimentellen Stadtwandels erhöht werden kann.