Walking transformative pathways with reflexive footsteps – how can research(ers) help?

Transformative change with its imperative to address the underlying causes of socio-ecological challenges is – hard. We have much to learn. We propose that walking transformative pathways requires reflexive footsteps and that researchers can play a role in building the capacity, the ‘reflexive muscles,’ for such walking. In this paper we first expand on the need for reflexive capacity encompassing the ability for engaging in personal and collective learning in a continuous process of action, evaluation, deep reflection followed by re-adjustment of plans and actions. We then describe the method for developing a web-based engagement platform (a toolkit in Horizon terminology) designed to support such reflexive journeys. The platform was developed within the TRANSPATH.EU project that seeks to identify leverage points and interventions for synergistically addressing climate change and biodiversity. The platform’s development followed co-creation principles - inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency - and applied a design thinking methodology that integrates five stages: (i) understanding, (ii) definition, (iii) ideation, (iv) prototyping, and (v) validation. Stakeholder dialogues in case studies in Western and Eastern Europe identified both key enablers and constraints of transformative change. In parallel, IPBES’ Transformative Change Assessment informed the prioritizing of leverage points.  A user-centered design approach developed two user archetypes. Co-creation and validation meetings held throughout the design process within the diverse research team were extended to external end-users to continue refining the design based on active reflexivity. The resulting engagement platform adopts a context-sensitive approach, inviting users to reflect on the enablers and constraints of transformative change present in their own context. Through guided reflection questions, users chose which enabler or constraint to focus on. Inspirational tools from other transformation experiences are offered with possible actionable steps for adapting these to their own research or action context.

Finally we reflect on how such an engagement platform, developed within the constraints of a time-bound project, could be set up to serve as a living-actionable knowledge hub supporting those walking the steep road of transformative change, and how  the research community – and its funders – would need to re-think its practices to enable this.