Model 2
After C. Oberlack et al.1
This model was developed based on an analysis of sustainability research projects that worked with a Theory of Change (ToC) approach to formulate projects’ assumptions about intended changes. The table below shows how different roles of scientists imply different activities and cater to different pathways to impact. The six roles position scientists with respect to the purpose of knowledge production as well as to the intensity and type of interaction with societal actors:
Role of scientist | What does the scientist do in this role? | How might the role contribute to change? |
|---|---|---|
Producer of scientific knowledge | Conducts basic research | By developing scientifically valid and reliable knowledge for deliberation and decision-making; input for other activities |
Teacher, lecturer, mentor, facilitator | Applies Education for Sustainable Development principles | By providing knowledge and fostering competences of future decision-makers, developing a critical mass of change agents |
Advisor, based on professional expertise | Provides mandated policy advice | By providing advice for evidence-based decision-making, synthesis assessments, capacity building |
Contributor in public debate (e.g. media, events) based on professional expertise | Contributes to public debate | Through awareness raising, public debate and deliberation |
Technical expert, professional expert | Provides open access to data and knowledge | By providing accessible and transparent data and knowledge, usable knowledge tools, and the possibility of public adaptation of knowledge |
Facilitator, mediator, professional expert, technical expert | Supports multi-stakeholder processes | By supporting co-production of knowledge, social learning, technical cooperation, creation of new actor networks, conflict transformation |
