Crossing Borders: Transdisciplinary Approaches in Regional Development

Vilsmaier first gives a brief overview of the concept of trans-disciplinary research and then presents its benefits for regional planning in detail. She then illustrates the approaches, strengths, and challenges of trans-disciplinary research in a project on regional development in Oberpinzgau, Austria.

Trans-disciplinary research has been discussed since the 1990s as a method for dealing with complexity and for solving real-world problems. The research approach is mostly used to investigate human interaction with natural systems and to jointly identify problems and solutions. Transdisciplinarity aims to produce new forms of knowledge, whereby scientifically produced knowledge is equivalent to other forms of knowledge and cognition and is to be applied in concrete real-world contexts. The challenge is, on the one hand, to acknowledge that science is not the only and the higher-value form of knowledge production, but rather that it is embedded in an overall system of culturally shaped forms of cognition, and, on the other hand, to create a basis for mutual learning and heterarchical knowledge integration. Successful trans-disciplinary research depends on the attitudes of the research partners as well as on self-reflection and the willingness to learn from each other.

Regional planning is a very complex field in which various parties are involved. The unsuccessful transformation of regions due to a lack of integration of residents, local and regional authorities and opinion leaders led to a change in methodology at different levels. The EU introduced the principle of subsidiarity, and public participation has become the status quo in planning processes since the 1990s. Trans-disciplinary research attempts to improve participation in planning processes and conceptualizes research questions on four different levels: empirical, pragmatic, normative and value-based.

Trans-disciplinary approaches in regional development function as heterarchic communication networks in which cooperation and joint participation are promoted, whereby individual contributions are regarded as complementary. In research, academic and social boundaries must be crossed. A trans-disciplinary research study on sustainable regional development in the Oberpinzgau region in Austria is cited as an example. This experimental study brought together scientists, students, representatives of various ministries and agencies, and the local population of the region to jointly develop trans-disciplinary research questions, develop a research design, identify problems, and work together on solutions for the future of the region. A trans-disciplinary steering committee was formed to design and supervise the research. Later, in accordance with the six research questions drawn up, six working groups were formed to handle the respective topics. Four principles were adopted, on which the research was to be based: Multiperspectivity, creating a common understanding of problems and defining research, shared responsibility for decisions and authorship of ideas, and developing transparent communication and working structures. A “systematic in-betweenness” (41) of positions was always promoted in order to break down old boundaries of thinking. In the end, some ideas for regional development could be implemented.