Journal Article
Pathways from research to sustainable development: Insights from ten research projects in sustainability and resilience
Anna Scaini; Joseph Mulligan; Håkan Berg; Albert Brangarí; Vera Bukachi; Sebastian Carenzo; Da Chau Thi; Colin Courtney-Mustaphi; Anneli Ekblom; Hanne Fjelde; Mathias Fridahl; Anders Hansson; Lettice Hicks; Mattias Höjer; Benard Juma; Jaan-Henrik Kain; Rebecca W. Kariuki; Soben Kim; Paul Lane; Ainara Leizeaga; Regina Lindborg; John Livsey; Steve W. Lyon; Rob Marchant; Jennifer R. McConville; Linus Munishi; David Nilsson; Luke Olang; Stefan Olin; Lennart Olsson; Peter Msumali Rogers; Johannes Rousk; Hans Sandén; Nophea Sasaki; Anna Shoemaker; Benjamin Smith; Lan Thai Huynh Phuong; Ana Varela Varela; Manjunatha Venkatappa; Giulia Vico; Nina Von Uexkull; Christine Wamsler; Menale Wondie; Patrick Zapata; María José Zapata Campos; Stefano Manzoni; Anna Tompsett
Ambio · Vol. 53, Issue 4 · pp. 517-533 · 2024
Abstract
Drawing on collective experience from ten collaborative research projects focused on the Global South, we identify three major challenges that impede the translation of research on sustainability and resilience into better-informed choices by individuals and policy-makers that in turn can support transformation to a sustainable future. The three challenges comprise: (i) converting knowledge produced during research projects into successful knowledge application; (ii) scaling up knowledge in time when research projects are short-term and potential impacts are long-term; and (iii) scaling up knowledge across space, from local research sites to larger-scale or even global impact. Some potential pathways for funding agencies to overcome these challenges include providing targeted prolonged funding for dissemination and outreach, and facilitating collaboration and coordination across different sites, research teams, and partner organizations. By systematically documenting these challenges, we hope to pave the way for further innovations in the research cycle.