Challenges in Forming Transdisciplinary Communities of Practice for Solving Environmental Problems in Developing Countries

Abstract

Abstract This study examines how communities of practice (CoPs) can be used for transdisciplinary research on complex societal challenges and their importance therein. Critically, CoPs are often hampered by barriers of indifference, position, and continuity, which transdisciplinary CoPs (TDCoPs) are effective in surmounting. TDCoPs involve researchers as providers of scientific knowledge and are characterized, in comparison with CoPs, by a more diverse assemblage of stakeholders, inclusion of “uninterested” partners, and boundary crossing and interaction among members and those around them. To promote these practices, transformative learning that changes the perspectives of members is essential; through learning and practice, stakeholders’ involvement develops into collaboration, and collaboration develops into autonomy. Transformative boundary objects, which have boundary crossing and interactive potential for those involved, are effective in inducing engagement in TDCoPs activities. TBOs may also change or branch out within TDCoPs activities, and TDCoPs in turn must flexibly respond to such changes. TDCoPs progress through five stages: potential, coalescing, maturing, activity, and transformation. During this process, local communicators play a vital role as the core group in community development. For researchers, who are external to the practice, it is crucial to have the determination and enthusiasm to engage with the community and its members to retain the trust of community residents. In addition to providing scientific knowledge, researchers must have a thorough understanding of stakeholders’ situations and be open to change. That is, in the early stages of a TDCoP, researchers provide residents with techniques, approaches, and information as their autonomy develops and is further exerted, thereby gradually shifting to a position of support. Here, as external partners, researchers’ transition from a position of leadership to one of support eventually fades out as residents develop independence.