It is increasingly acknowledged that transdisciplinary (TD) research methods are useful in research projects on global environmental problems for which science alone cannot provide a definite solution. However, many researchers have pointed out that the theoretical concepts of ideal TD processes are extremely difficult to apply in practice. This project aims to identify a practical framework for TD research. The practical framework consists of methods and tactics for fostering knowledge cocreation, identified from current TD practices implemented throughout the world, as well as from knowledge and perspectives of experienced TD researchers and stakeholders. In order to make sure that the proposed framework is useful, the project uses the above results for capacity building and will revise our framework as necessary.

The project consists of the following three components:

1. TD Landscape (literature reviews, collection and analysis of case studies)
2. Lessons learned (researcher and stakeholder experiences)
3. Capacity/network building (lectures and website)

This project analyses the international research landscape surrounding TD research. It examines similar research approaches, such as a participatory approach and action research, and seeks to establish a new definition of TD research and project design (methods, tools and approaches) for fostering knowledge co-creation in relation to different types of environmental issues. In addition to this survey of international TD literature, the project carries out in-depth studies with researchers and stakeholders in TD projects at RIHN and other institutes. We identify tips and tactics to enhance stakeholder engagement in TD research, from the interviews and workshops with the researchers undertaken TD projects. We also identify the effects of TD projects on stakeholders and communities, which are largely overlooked in current project evaluations. With this combination of global and focused investigations, the project seeks to synthesize experiences of co-creation for solving environmental issues and share the information widely to help implement various co-creation projects in Japan and worldwide.

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