Why collaboration matters for the environment: towards a mode 3 of knowledge production in environmental science

Abstract

Contemporary knowledge production has been recognized having two trends: Increased collaboration between university and other sectors and increasing emphasis on the relevance of research. Environmental problems, due to their complexity, often require collaboration between scientists and non-academics, but the collaboration itself can become a challenge. During a four year PhD project these issues were explored, considering both the micro level of interaction and the general trend of environmental science in Sweden. Rather than a triple helix and a Mode 2 this can be described as a Mode 3 of science. In Mode 3 different ideas for knowledge production coexist and also consider the natural environment as an in important part of this. During the research process a model for collaboration was developed with the emphasis on dialogue and interaction between sectors. This model can used to be able to define common goals and can form a common meeting ground for environmental scientists and non-academic participants.