Abstract
Science-based initiatives generate particular changes towards sustainable development. But why and how does this work? Theories of change (ToCs) can help in understanding the theoretical assumptions and modes of knowledge production associated with these initiatives: ToCs trigger debate among the stakeholders and evaluators of an initiative regarding the hypothesized and observed effects of actions as well as regarding underlying assumptions about how change happens. Therefore, they can strengthen the effectiveness of research, practice, and education in sustainability science.
Highlights
Science-based initiatives generate particular changes towards sustainable development
Why and how does this work? Theories of change (ToCs) can help in understanding the theoretical assumptions and modes of knowledge production associated with these initiatives: ToCs trigger debate among the stakeholders and evaluators of an initiative regarding the hypothesized and observed effects of actions as well as regarding underlying assumptions about how change happens
Scholars increasingly emphasize the importance of sustainability science as an interdisciplinary field that engages in and seeks to foster transformations towards sustainable development through activities including generation of scientific evidence and theory, education, practices of knowledge co-production, critical thought, and integration of alternative perspectives (Kates 2011)
Summary
Science-based initiatives generate particular changes towards sustainable development. Theories of change (ToCs) can help in understanding the theoretical assumptions and modes of knowledge production associated with these initiatives: ToCs trigger debate among the stakeholders and evaluators of an initiative regarding the hypothesized and observed effects of actions as well as regarding underlying assumptions about how change happens They can strengthen the effectiveness of research, practice, and education in sustainability science. While the precise methods and processes of constructing and using ToCs vary across initiatives (Mason and Barnes 2007), they generally trigger debate among stakeholders and/or evaluators of an initiative regarding the hypothesized and observed effects of actions as well as regarding underlying assumptions about how change happens (Blamey and Mackenzie 2007) These assumptions can be critically reflected on over time, and project activities can be adapted according to the actual experiences of implementation. This paper is based on a systematic process our discussion of projects conducted at CDE, with a particular foof reflection on ToCs, conducted at the Centre for Development cus on how formulation of pathways to impact enables reflection and Environment (CDE) of the University of Bern, Switzerland, on the roles of scientists as practitioners
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