New ideas for sustainability research
Europe has been funding research into SD for more than 20 years. Such efforts have administered SD research like any other branch of science, though some researchers feel the topic warrants a new and more effective approach. The EU-funded 'Producing a shared vision on how to harness research & development for sustainable development' (VISION RD4SD) project aimed for a suitable framework. Over 3 years, the 26-member consortium planned to provide Europe with tools fostering SD research. The approach involved formulating policies based on best current knowledge, and developing through dialogue a shared vision among relevant funding and administration bodies. The project tools and conclusions were intended for Horizon 2020 and for the 2020 Vision for the ERA (European Research Area). The undertaking concluded in November 2013. Team members established a platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences among interested parties. The platform had a similar structure and process to technology projects, in terms of information collection followed by implementation. The dialogue allowed development of a new interface for exchange of SD-related research. Hence, the project also created an overview of current European practices in terms of funding and administration. Consequently, SD was discussed for the first time in a complex ERA context, beyond national boundaries, and seeking a holistic policy approach. The group's major work consisted of hosting and documenting a series of workshops, each attended by approximately 40 people. The consortium finalised a further nine case studies on the state of the SD art. The team publicised on its website several examples of good SD funding. Project work led to three main outcomes. It produced statements relating to the vision and principles of supporting SD, and an interactive web resource about conducting and funding SD research. Additionally, the team created a platform for action, designed to support communications about SD research after the project's completion. The VISION RD4SD project yielded a new common vision about harnessing research for SD, including practical principles. As a result, European researchers were better able to formulate objectives that meaningfully contribute to the topic.
Keywords
Sustainability research, sustainable development, research & development, Horizon 2020
