Enabling the IPBES conceptual framework to work across knowledge boundaries

Dunkley, Ria; Baker, Susan; Constant, Natasha; Sanderson-Bellamy, Angelina

Abstract

The IPBES conceptual framework (CF) serves an instrumental value to translate usable knowledge into policy across spatial scales, alongside a normative function to engage diverse knowledge systems, promoting inclusivity and enhancing legitimacy. It has been argued that the CF operates as a boundary object, a communication and organisation tool for those working across diverse knowledge systems, designed to help them reach shared goals. The paper focuses on this claim, exploring the three core characteristics of a boundary object: interpretive flexibility, material and organisational structure, and the recognition of dissention. We suggest that too much emphasis is placed within the CF upon interpretive flexibility, whilst meeting information needs and the work requirements of all individuals, groups and communities who use the CF are overlooked. By forcing consensus, the IPBES CF ignores the critical dimensions of a boundary object. We argue that embracing the full characteristics of a boundary object will enable the IPBES to support knowledge coproduction and translation across the knowledge systems, better achieving its goal of providing policy advice.

Citation

Dunkley, R., Baker, S., Constant, N., & Sanderson-Bellamy, A. (2018). Enabling the IPBES conceptual framework to work across knowledge boundaries. International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, 18(6), 779-799. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10784-018-9415-z

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 15, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Sep 21, 2018
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: May 28, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: May 28, 2021
• Journal: International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics
• Print ISSN: 1567-9764
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-1553
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 779-799
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10784-018-9415-z
• Keywords: Political Science and International Relations; Economics and Econometrics; Law
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7197573
• Additional Information: Accepted: 15 September 2018; First Online: 21 September 2018