Session: 16-01-01: Government Agency Student Poster Competition

Paper Number: 150702

150702 - Towards a Typology of Knowledge Integration in Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations 

This paper develops a typology of Knowledge Integration (KI) in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaborations, drawing on three interrelated domains, including (1) studies of inter- and transdisciplinarity (O’Rourke et al., 2016; Klein, 1990, 2021, 2023), (2) studies focusing on knowledge co-production in sustainability research (Hoffmann et al., 2017; Pohl et al., 2021), and (3) studies focusing directly on factors influencing knowledge integration in the Science of Team Science (SciTS) (Stokols et al., 2008; Lotrecchiano & Misra, 2018; Gajary et al., 2023). Using a scoping review approach, we address the primary question of interest: What are the different forms and dimensions of Knowledge Integration (KI) in Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations (CDCs)?  

We inductively develop a typology that further addresses specific theoretical and practical questions: (1) How do scholars in different fields of study conceptualize and operationalize Knowledge Integration (KI) in Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations (CDCs)? (2) What are the primary characteristics and dynamics of Knowledge Integration in these collaborations? And (3) How can teams effectively prepare for and facilitate KI in CDCs? This exploration provides a thorough examination of the roles of various stakeholders, including academic researchers, professional experts, and funding agencies. It details comprehensive strategies for designing and implementing successful knowledge integration mechanisms that are both innovative and effective. 

Through a critical examination of collaborative problem-solving approaches, this paper leverages insights from our comprehensive literature review to conceptualize and define KI and to identify its essential dimensions within CDCs. Building on these foundational insights, the study proposes a nuanced typology of Knowledge Integration. It meticulously outlines the complex processes of synthesizing and integrating diverse knowledge across various academic disciplines and stakeholder groups. This typology is structured into five progressive levels of integration—from Initial Knowledge Gathering to Outcomes of Integration—each level deepening in complexity and engagement. Additionally, the framework incorporates cyclical elements of ‘Contextual Factors’ and ‘Processes and Mechanisms’ which are crucial for enabling dynamic adaptability and ongoing refinement of integration strategies to ensure the typology remains responsive to evolving project needs and contexts. 

The typology is designed as a dynamic and adaptable tool that offers comprehensive benefits to a diverse audience. Researchers receive a clear framework for enhancing interdisciplinary collaborations and advancing methodologies, practitioners obtain actionable guidance for implementing research in real-world settings, and funders are provided with robust criteria for evaluating proposals and monitoring project progress. This study is pivotal for promoting deep, impactful integrations across disciplines and stakeholders, ensuring that investments in cross-disciplinary collaborations deliver substantial and sustainable benefits, thus advancing the frontier of cross-disciplinary research. 

Presenting Author: Shruti Punjabi Virginia Tech

Presenting Author Biography: Shruti Punjabi is a third-year Ph.D. student at the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), Virginia Tech. The working title of her thesis is "Examining Knowledge Integration in Convergence Research." Her research employs abductive inquiry to conceptualize Knowledge Integration (KI) in Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations (CDCs) by identifying the antecedents, processes, outcomes, and strategies for effective knowledge integration. Shruti is currently working as a Graduate Research Assistant for an NSF Growing Convergence Research Project, where she supports a multi-institutional team in research, qualitative, and quantitative data collection and analysis capacity. In addition, she works as a teaching assistant for a 3000-level undergraduate course, "Transdisciplinary Problem Solving for Social Issues." Before joining Virginia Tech, Shruti worked in different roles, including a Planning Research Associate at the Montgomery County Planning Department, a Consultant at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a Project Associate at The World Bank - East Africa Regional Unit, and a Community Planning Fellow at the Fund for the City of New York (FCNY). She completed her Masters in Urban Planning with a specialization in International Development from NYU Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, New York, United States, and her Bachelors in Planning from the Center for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT), Ahmedabad, India. She can be contacted at shrutirp@vt.edu.

Authors:

Shruti Punjabi Virginia Tech
Stanley Grant Virginia Tech
Megan Rippy Virginia Tech
Todd Schenk Virgnia Tech
Thomas Birkland North Carolina State University
Eranga Galappaththi Virginia Tech
Shalini Misra Virginia Tech