Transdisciplinary knowledge management: A key but underdeveloped skill in EBM decision-making

• Published in: Marine policy 2020-09, Vol.119, p.104020, Article 104020
• Main Authors: Giebels, Diana, Carus, Jana, Paul, Maike, Kleyer, Michael, Siebenhüner, Bernd, Arns, Arne, Bartholomä, Alexander, Carlow, Vanessa, Jensen, Jürgen, Tietjen, Britta, Wehrmann, Achim, Schröder, Boris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0308-597X; 1872-9460
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104020

The ecosystem-based management (EBM) philosophy draws upon the principle that holistic understanding of the system to be governed needs to guide the decision-making process. However, empirical evidence is growing that knowledge integration is still a main bottleneck for EBM decision-makers. This paper argues that transdisciplinary knowledge management (TKM) is a key competence in achieving knowledge integration, while simultaneously it represents an underdeveloped research area in EBM if understood as a process of human interaction. Based on a literature review, this article summarizes and reflects upon the most recent development in the field of TKM. The paper presents a detailed definition and in-depth description of TKM as a process of human interaction and a diversity of organizational structures that effectuate TKM. Theoretically discussed premises are furthermore illuminated and evaluated by a case study that exemplifies pro-active development and implementation of TKM. Deviating case observations are presented as novel contributions to the field. They suggest new ideas and inspiration for future EBM research and policy agendas.