Managing environmental knowledge networks to navigate complexity

Holzer, Jennifer M.; Awada, Tala; Baird, Julia; Bennett, Elena M.; Borer, Elizabeth T.; Calderon-Contreras, Rafael; Groffman, Peter M.; Grove, J. Morgan; Harvey, Blane; Hickey, Gordon M.; Hobbs, Imogen; Humphries, Murray M.; Metzger, Marc J.; Orenstein, Daniel E.; Robinson, Brian E.; Watt, Allan D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9534-728X; Winkler, Klara J.; Asif, Furqan. 2024 Managing environmental knowledge networks to navigate complexity. Ecology and Society, 29 (4), 4. 15, pp. 10.5751/es-15493-290404

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Abstract/Summary

Environmental knowledge networks (EKNs) link research collaborators in a common purpose to produce data and knowledge to better understand social-ecological phenomena and address environmental challenges. Over recent years, as scientists have grappled with how to produce data and actionable knowledge for conservation and sustainability, more EKNs have been established. Although each network is founded for its own purposes and maintains its own goals and ways of operating, these networks are generally managed by scientists to produce knowledge to advance science and decision making. In this Insight article, we articulate key qualities and benefits of EKNs and shows how EKNs can address grand challenges that cannot be answered by a single team or institution, create a diverse, vibrant culture of science and community of practice, and provide innovative solutions and knowledge to society. We also discuss challenges of EKN governance, and how challenges may vary with a network’s development. Finally, based on a synthesis of structured discussions about key issues in EKN management, we share recommendations and best practices, emphasizing management practices that are inclusive, reflexive, adaptive, and flexible, so that others may benefit from our experience leading EKNs.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.5751/es-15493-290404
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	UKCEH Fellows
ISSN:	1708-3087
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	assessment, convergence science, environmental research, evaluation, knowledge network, research network, social-ecological system, team science, transdisciplinarity
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Data and Information
Related URLs:	Dataset
Date made live:	24 Oct 2024 09:26 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/538284

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