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Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth: Visions of future systems and how to get there

Fazey, I; Schäpke, N; Caniglia, G; Hodgson, A; Kendrick, I; Lyon, C; Page, G; ... Kläy, A; + view all (2020) Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth: Visions of future systems and how to get there. Energy Research and Social Science , 70 , Article 101724. 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101724. Green open access

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Abstract

Formalised knowledge systems, including universities and research institutes, are important for contemporary societies. They are, however, also arguably failing humanity when their impact is measured against the level of progress being made in stimulating the societal changes needed to address challenges like climate change. In this research we used a novel futures-oriented and participatory approach that asked what future envisioned knowledge systems might need to look like and how we might get there. Findings suggest that envisioned future systems will need to be much more collaborative, open, diverse, egalitarian, and able to work with values and systemic issues. They will also need to go beyond producing knowledge about our world to generating wisdom about how to act within it. To get to envisioned systems we will need to rapidly scale methodological innovations, connect innovators, and creatively accelerate learning about working with intractable challenges. We will also need to create new funding schemes, a global knowledge commons, and challenge deeply held assumptions. To genuinely be a creative force in supporting longevity of human and non-human life on our planet, the shift in knowledge systems will probably need to be at the scale of the enlightenment and speed of the scientific and technological revolution accompanying the second World War. This will require bold and strategic action from governments, scientists, civic society and sustained transformational intent.

Type: Article
Title: Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth: Visions of future systems and how to get there
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101724
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101724
Language: English
Additional information: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in the credit line; if the material is not included under the Creative Commons license, users will need to obtain permission from the license holder to reproduce the material. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Keywords: Sustainability science, Epistemology, Transformation, Social-technical transitions, Knowledge, Climate and energy research
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > STEaPP
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10113059
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