Caught Between Technical Expertise and Transdisciplinary Structure Formation: Opportunities and Prospects for (Institutionalised) Competence Building in Transfer-oriented Research Using the Case of the InNoWest Joint Research Project

Abstract

Research at higher education institutions (HEIs) is increasingly expected to address societal problems. In this context, transdisciplinary research practice is often referred to as a novel co-creative mode of research. However, collaboration with actors from outside the scientific system in transdisciplinary research projects requires specific competences. The article presents the formats for competence development in transdisciplinary research developed as part of the InNoWest joint research project, as well as the results of their formative evaluation. It outlines the potential and limitations of continuing professional development during project work, and reflects on the possibilities for the institutionalised development of transdisciplinary competences at HEIs. Drawing on the experiences of the German InNoWest joint research project, the article elucidates the ambivalence between transdisciplinary research as a mode of inquiry and the qualification and excellence criteria of scientific institutions, which are often based on technical expertise. The article further examines the conditions required to establish transdisciplinary research within German HEIs.