Designing Transdisciplinary Discovery and Innovation: Models and Tools for Dynamic Knowledge Integration

Abstract

This paper presents challenges faced in rapidly accelerating technological development and the need for a transdisciplinary approach to engineering systems. An analogy is drawn with theories of technical system development to propose a mechanism for dynamic knowledge integration using transdisciplinary approaches. The mechanism for dynamic knowledge integration is based on a three-level progression of the scope of transdisciplinary research activities. Concepts and tools from engineering design and innovation are used to explain challenges and opportunities for the future of transdisciplinary research, and preliminary measures for transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge integration are discussed. Validation of transdisciplinary research is then discussed in light of approaches to philosophy of science and the sociology of intellectual discourse. Examples are given of transdisciplinary research areas that combine engineering design with other fields such as sustainability, biology, management of technology.