Creating learning spaces for researchers within interdisciplinary research projects

Abstract

Complex problems such as sustainability, call for inter- and transdisciplinary resaarch approaches. Although the call for such approaches is not new, it remains challenging to implement interdisciplinary research projects (Fischer, Tobi, & Ronteltap, 2011). Project frameworks have been developed specifically for interdisciplinary settings (e.g., Tobi & Kampen, 2018). Such frameworks acknowledge the integration of different disciplines, though, they still follow traditional linear project management processes. Interdisciplinary collaboration and dealing with complex sustainability problems, though, may call for project structures and management that provide more room for creativity, explorative communication, and novel encounters. Thus, dealing with complex problems may call for a project management approach that is made for complexity. Within the business world, Agile project management has become a buzzword. In contrast to traditional linear project management, Agile project management has a more circular setup. Agile project management is more flexible and focuses on interactions and collaborations of involved parties (Ciric et al., 2019). Hidalgo (2019) applying Agile project management within research settings indicates that especially interdisciplinary settings could profit from Agile project management. Agile project management is still new in academic research settings. This poster summarizes insights of applying Agile in an interdisciplinary sustainability transition research program.

Full text

The research program Transformative
Bioeconomies studies the Materials
transition. This is framed as a combination of
•Bio-economy
•Circular economy
•Carbon economy
•Dematerialization
Collaboration among researchers and
stakeholders is considered to generate a
comprehensive understanding of the
materials transition. Accordingly, the
Transformative Bioeconomies research
teams have an interdisciplinary setup.
Textiles Building Materials
The research program focuses on two
domains:
AGILE
To facilitate learning the research program
has adopted an Agile process. Agile provides
a frame for collaborative research. It creates
spaces for learning through its circular
process that is supported by structures,
culture, people, stakeholders, and leadership.
PROCESS
Small (+/- 7) interdisciplinary teams work
autonomously on a task. Tasks are commonly
defined, but how the team implements the
task is up to the abilities & creativity of the
team. Ideally, team composition is guided by
the skills needed to work on the tasks.
Agile builds on trial and error, experimentation, and
learning. To facilitate this, a culture that creates
psychological safety and trust needs to be created
and maintained.
Agile has flat hierarchies, still, leadership is key. Leaders need to create
and maintain a supportive culture, and suitable structures, initiate the
process, and support people so that they can live up to their full
potential. Thus, leaders should create an inclusive environment that
supports those who might be struggling with an Agile setting.
Agile is stakeholder oriented.
Projects start with collaboration
with stakeholders through
problem identification. Thereafter
stakeholders should be part of the
process. Thus, they are partners in
identifying and testing solutions.
People that exhibit certain characteristics
flourish more in an Agile setting. Characteristics
are, swimming against the stream, high
creativity, preferring working autonomously,
being able to deal with constantly inflowing
feedback, and being highly adaptable.
Scan me to
connect with
Katharina Biely
Scan me to learn more about the
Transformative Bioeconomies
Research Program
Learning is facilitated through a circular
process that is guided by a clear vision
of the program. Tasks are developed to
work towards the goal. Teams work
iteratively on these tasks in short time
intervals. Through, reflecting on the
results, learned lessons can be
integrated and ongoing work can be
adapted.
Vision Tasks Prioritize Commit Reflect
STRUCTURE
CULTURE
LEADERSHIP
STAKEHOLDERS
To provide room for creativity and learning,
the research program does not have a linear
outline that predetermines the course of
action. Instead, the research program aims
to create space for experimentation,
learning, creativity, and innovation.
PEOPLE
More than a process:
For Agile to provide learning spaces, not only
the process, but also the other components
of Agile need to be considered.
Vision:
The vision is the anchor and the lighthouse.
Without a clearly predefined plan, the vision
guides the reiterative trial and error process.
Communication:
The Agile process might be new to the
involved people. Thus, clearly
communicating the process is crucial to set
the right expectations.
Trust:
Agile builds on trial and error. Facilitating
learning means creating spaces that provide
psychological safety.