Knowledge re-integration in real-world laboratories to transform cities and communities: report on workshop designs

Abstract

How can we re-integrate knowledge generated in real-world laboratories (RWLs) into societal practice? In the RWL “Dresden – City of the Future 2030+”, the re-integration of knowledge was central to the research design. In this Workshop Report, we focus on facilitation methods for knowledge re-integration into societal practice. This is to guide transdisciplinary research practice and help researchers in designing and facilitating such research processes. We conceptualise knowledge re-integration, based on the current literature. Further, we describe our facilitation methods (two workshop formats) to document and reflect on our experiences. A self-reflective evaluation is conducted with the help of evaluation criteria synthesised from the literature on transdisciplinary research (TDR). Our reflections confirm that the facilitation of exchange with the target group/target context can greatly enhance the transferability of knowledge gained in TDR settings. In our conclusion, we highlight the importance of facilitators and knowledge brokers, as well as co-creation with local stakeholders to reach out to the target group.