An applied methodology for stakeholder identification in transdisciplinary research

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Sustainability Research
• Social Science

Background:

• Transdisciplinary research requires early stakeholder engagement for effective problem definition and influence.
• Current stakeholder analysis methods often neglect or delay this crucial initial identification phase.
• Effective stakeholder identification is vital for the success of sustainability research projects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, systematic methodology for identifying stakeholders in transdisciplinary sustainability research.
• To facilitate early and influential engagement of diverse stakeholders in research projects.
• To empower physical scientists with tools for stakeholder identification and role understanding.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase process involving the design and implementation of a stakeholder identification questionnaire.
• Utilizes a snowball sampling approach for systematic identification across multiple case study locations.
• Designed for researchers with limited prior stakeholder research experience and minimal resource requirements.

Main Results:

• The methodology was successfully designed and implemented within a European soil threats research project across seventeen case studies.
• The approach proved systematic, resource-efficient, and adaptable to different research contexts.
• Empowered physical scientists to proactively identify and understand stakeholder roles.

Conclusions:

• The presented methodology offers a practical and effective solution for early stakeholder identification in transdisciplinary research.
• It enhances the inclusivity and impact of sustainability research by fostering early engagement.
• The methodology's design phase allows for tailoring to various research projects and contexts.