A context-specific boundary object to strengthen collaborations across science, policy and society

Abstract

Science-policy interfaces (SPIs) are social processes that are avenues for addressing sustainability challenges through strengthening collaborations between researchers, decision makers and social actors. These transdisciplinary experiences provide a framework wherein scientific advances, policy needs and societal concerns can be coupled to increase the understating of complex problems and identify collective solutions to solve them. However, many studies have highlighted the need to develop and refine tools and operational methods to operationalize SPIs. Here, we present a SPI experience for addressing day-to-day problems in the southeastern Spanish dryland (López- Rodríguez et al., 2015). To facilitate mutual understanding and generate trust between participants we used (1) a knowledge brokering approach based on six interlinked workshops, and (2) a context-specific boundary object specifically designed to put into practice the transdisciplinary process. The boundary object is a graphical tool (triangle) for diagnosing environmental problems using three gradients based on a standardized punctuation for each one (on a 0-3 scale), namely of: (i) the scientific knowledge (i.e. the scientific evidence available about the specific problem); (ii) the regulatory capacity (i.e. the current legislative framework relevant to articulating public administration solutions); (iii) public engagement (which reflects the social relevance of the specific problems to the general public). In this gradient 0 represents that scientific knowledge, regulatory capacity or public engagement not being relevant for solving the environmental problem in the short term; whereas 3 represents high scientific evidence, regulatory capacity and that public engagement is available to address the problem. Throughout the SPI, 12 environmental problems (5 related to water management and 7 related to biodiversity loss) were identified and agreed as priorities in the region. Then, each problem was, collectively, rated differently for each dimensionusing the boundary object. The use of this boundary object allowed (1) aligning scientific knowledge with specific management goals and societal demands, and (2) promoting the implementation of science-based actions through collaborative work between scientists, decision makers and social actors. These insights provide a useful contextual orientation for conducting similar experiences in other social-ecological and political-administrative contexts.

Reference: López-Rodríguez, M.D., Castro, A.J., Castro, H, Jorreto, S., Cabello, J. 2015. Science-Policy interface for addressing environmental problems in arid Spain. Environmental Science and Policy 50: 1–14.