Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Enabling the IPBES conceptual framework to work across knowledge boundaries

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

Enabling the IPBES conceptual framework to work across knowledge boundaries Thumbnail


Authors

Ria Dunkley

Susan Baker

Natasha Constant



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.

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

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations