TY - JOUR

T1 - Utilizing international networks for accelerating research and learning in transformational sustainability science

AU - Keeler, Lauren Withycombe

AU - Wiek, Arnim

AU - Lang, Daniel J.

AU - Yokohari, Makoto

AU - van Breda, John

AU - Olsson, Lennart

AU - Ness, Barry

AU - Morato, Jordi

AU - Segalas, Jordi

AU - Martens, Pim

AU - Bojorquez-Tapia, Luis A.

AU - Evans, James

PY - 2016/9/1

Y1 - 2016/9/1

N2 - A promising approach for addressing sustainability problems is to recognize the unique conditions of a particular place, such as problem features and solution capabilities, and adopt and adapt solutions developed at other places around the world. Therefore, research and teaching in international networks becomes critical, as it allows for accelerating learning by sharing problem understandings, successful solutions, and important contextual considerations. This article identifies eight distinct types of research and teaching collaborations in international networks that can support such accelerated learning. The four research types are, with increasing intensity of collaboration: (1) solution adoption; (2) solution consultation; (3) joint research on different problems; and (4) joint research on similar problems. The four teaching types are, with increasing intensity of collaboration: (1) adopted course; (2) course with visiting faculty; (3) joint course with traveling faculty; and (4) joint course with traveling students. The typology is illustrated by extending existing research and teaching projects on urban sustainability in the International Network of Programs in Sustainability, with partner universities from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. The article concludes with challenges and strategies for extending individual projects into collaborations in international networks.

AB - A promising approach for addressing sustainability problems is to recognize the unique conditions of a particular place, such as problem features and solution capabilities, and adopt and adapt solutions developed at other places around the world. Therefore, research and teaching in international networks becomes critical, as it allows for accelerating learning by sharing problem understandings, successful solutions, and important contextual considerations. This article identifies eight distinct types of research and teaching collaborations in international networks that can support such accelerated learning. The four research types are, with increasing intensity of collaboration: (1) solution adoption; (2) solution consultation; (3) joint research on different problems; and (4) joint research on similar problems. The four teaching types are, with increasing intensity of collaboration: (1) adopted course; (2) course with visiting faculty; (3) joint course with traveling faculty; and (4) joint course with traveling students. The typology is illustrated by extending existing research and teaching projects on urban sustainability in the International Network of Programs in Sustainability, with partner universities from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. The article concludes with challenges and strategies for extending individual projects into collaborations in international networks.

KW - Sustainability science

KW - Sustainability education

KW - International networks

KW - University collaborations

KW - Sustainability Science

KW - Sustainability education

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84966698441&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1007/s11625-016-0364-6

DO - 10.1007/s11625-016-0364-6

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 11

SP - 749

EP - 762

JO - Sustainability Science

JF - Sustainability Science

SN - 1862-4065

IS - 5

ER -