Standing on the shoulders of experience

Abstract

In this chapter, the challenges, solutions and ideas presented in the earlier chapters are brought together. The chapter presents three themes that have emerged from the cases, the commentaries on the cases and the integration pieces: complexity, uncertainty and sustainability. In the first theme, how complexity is encountered in inter- and transdisciplinary questions and in the collaborations that address these questions is explained. In addition, it shows how the university structure adds to the complexity of setting up inter- or transdisciplinary courses or programs. The second theme elaborates on the role of uncertainty in inter- and transdisciplinary research, discussing the importance of decreasing but also leveraging uncertainty to allow for creative research outcomes. The third theme shows the value of spending time and effort to make sustainable collaborations or encourage long-term inter- or transdisciplinary practices, while being able to adapt to the changing questions of society. After discussing the themes, the chapter looks forward by presenting a model that can be used as a starting point to adjust or start inter- or transdisciplinary practices, pointing the reader towards the specific chapters in this book that can be used as inspiration.