Abstract
Addressing climate change and advancing social-ecological transformation requires inclusive and reflexive research approaches rooted in real-world complexity. Transdisciplinary collaborations (TDCs), which bring together academic and non-academic actors to co-produce actionable knowledge, have become central to these efforts. Yet, many TDCs face persistent challenges—including power imbalances, conflicting interests, and difficulties integrating diverse knowledge systems—which limit their transformative potential.
This contribution presents insights from a formative assessment of ongoing and recent TDCs focused on climate change adaptation and social-ecological transformation. Drawing on case studies from research, consultancy projects, and network initiatives, we identify key barriers to the effectiveness and equity of these collaborations. An assessment framework was developed based on relevant literature and applied through peer-to-peer exchanges, self-reflections among researchers, and interviews with a range of TDC participants.
We share preliminary findings alongside draft recommendations aimed at supporting academic actors in designing, implementing, and evaluating TDCs more effectively. These adaptive strategies address engagement practices and structural conditions that shape collaborative dynamics.
Our findings emphasize the critical role of the social sciences in fostering context-specific, culturally relevant, and justice-oriented climate responses. Rethinking the obstacles in TDCs—including how knowledge is produced and validated—can help chart more inclusive and resilient pathways forward. We also invite discussion on the feasibility of developing shared transdisciplinary guidelines at the organizational level, and whether current academic evaluation standards hinder the transformative promise of TDCs. This reflection highlights tensions between top-down structures and bottom-up initiatives that seek meaningful change in research practice.