Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth: Visions of future systems and how to get there

Fazey, Ioan; Sch�pke, Niko; Caniglia, Guido; Hodgson, Anthony; Kendrick, Ian; Lyon, Christopher; Page, Glenn; Patterson, James; Riedy, Chris; Strasser, Tim; Verveen, Stephan; Adams, David; Goldstein, Bruce; Klaes, Matthias; Leicester, Graham; Ives, Christopher D.

Abstract

Formalised knowledge systems, including universities and research institutes, are important for contemporary societies. They are, however, also arguably failing humanity when their impact is measured against the level of progress being made in stimulating the societal changes needed to address challenges like climate change. In this research we used a novel futures-oriented and participatory approach that asked what future envisioned knowledge systems might need to look like and how we might get there. Findings suggest that envisioned future systems will need to be much more collaborative, open, diverse, egalitarian, and able to work with values and systemic issues. They will also need to go beyond producing knowledge about our world to generating wisdom about how to act within it. To get to envisioned systems we will need to rapidly scale methodological innovations, connect innovators, and creatively accelerate learning about working with intractable challenges. We will also need to create new funding schemes, a global knowledge commons, and challenge deeply held assumptions. To genuinely be a creative force in supporting longevity of human and non-human life on our planet, the shift in knowledge systems will probably need to be at the scale of the enlightenment and speed of the scientific and technological revolution accompanying the second World War. This will require bold and strategic action from governments, scientists, civic society and sustained transformational intent.

Citation

Fazey, I., Schäpke, N., Caniglia, G., Hodgson, A., Kendrick, I., Lyon, C., …Ives, C. D. (2020). Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth: Visions of future systems and how to get there. Energy Research and Social Science, 70, Article 101724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101724

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 25, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Sep 25, 2020
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Deposit Date: Nov 23, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 23, 2020
• Journal: Energy Research & Social Science
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 70
• Article Number: 101724
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101724
• Keywords: Sustainability science, Epistemology, Transformation, Social-technical transitions, Knowledge, Climate and energy research
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5066852
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302991
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth: Visions of future systems and how to get there; Journal Title: Energy Research & Social Science; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101724; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.