Innovations for sustainable development: the need for transdisciplinary knowledge integration. (4th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zweekhorst, Marjolein B.M.; Broerse, Jacqueline E.W.; Bunders, Joske F.G.
• Is Part Of: Interdisciplinary environmental review. Volume 3:Number 1(2001)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2014-08-04
• Subjects: sustainable development -- sustainability -- agriculture -- transdisciplinary knowledge -- knowledge integration -- agricultural innovation -- small–scale farmers -- resource–poor farmers -- developing countries -- potato seed -- Bangladesh -- non–governmental organisations -- NGOs -- institutionalisation -- technology development -- university curricula -- higher education -- organisational change; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Sustainability -- Periodicals; 333.705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-0227

Abstract

In this article we argue that a transdisciplinary mode of knowledge integration, is key to the generation of sustainable agricultural innovations for small–scale, resource–poor farmers in developing countries. The concept and challenges of transdisciplinary research are described. We present a case study on the introduction of True Potato Seed in Bangladesh by a local non–governmental organization. The institutionalization process of a transdisciplinary approach to technology development within this organization is outlined. The case study is analyzed in relation to the identified main challenges for implementing transdisciplinary research. We conclude that application of a transdisciplinary approach throughout the innovation process requires changes in university curricula as well as organizational changes.