Transdisciplinary knowledge management: A key but underdeveloped skill in EBM decision-making

Diana Giebels,Jana Carus,Maike Paul,Michael Kleyer,Bernd Siebenhüner,Arne Arns,Alexander Bartholomä,Vanessa Carlow,Jürgen Jensen,Britta Tietjen,Achim Wehrmann,Boris Schröder

doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104020

Abstract

The ecosystem-based management (EBM) philosophy draws upon the principle that holistic understanding of the system to be governed needs to guide the decision-making process. However, empirical evidence is growing that knowledge integration is still a main bottleneck for EBM decision-makers. This paper argues that transdisciplinary knowledge management (TKM) is a key competence in achieving knowledge integration, while simultaneously it represents an underdeveloped research area in EBM if understood as a process of human interaction. Based on a literature review, this article summarizes and reflects upon the most recent development in the field of TKM. The paper presents a detailed definition and in-depth description of TKM as a process of human interaction and a diversity of organizational structures that effectuate TKM. Theoretically discussed premises are furthermore illuminated and evaluated by a case study that exemplifies pro-active development and implementation of TKM. Deviating case observations are presented as novel contributions to the field. They suggest new ideas and inspiration for future EBM research and policy agendas.

Highlights

Ecosystem-based management has become a globally acknowledged and applied approach in marine policy
This paper argues that transdisciplinary knowledge management (TKM) is a key competence in achieving knowledge integration, while simultaneously it represents an underdeveloped research area in ecosystem-based management (EBM) if understood as a process of human interaction
This paper argues that the literature focusing on transdisciplinary knowledge management (TKM) provides helpful insights and discus sions related to these challenges

Summary

Introduction

Ecosystem-based management has become a globally acknowledged and applied approach in marine policy It has been introduced as an alternative to traditional, sectorial decision-making, better suited to address marine systems as holistic systems and to ensure their long-term functioning, health and sustainable provision of ecosystem services [1,2,3]. Studies analysing empirical cases of EBM reveal that related challenges potentially derive from many sources. Those include limitations of data availability and access [13,14], the problem of fragmented governance systems [15,16,17], and uncertainty introduced by complex problems with non-linear feedbacks, such as climate change, that challenge the possibility to design predictive models to inform decision-makers [18]

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