Developing a conceptual framework for interdisciplinary communication, collaboration, and integration: A structured approach
Interdisciplinary research is essential to address the complex environmental challenges faced by social-ecological systems (SES). However, it is often hindered by difficulties in integrating diverse knowledge and perspectives. Conceptual Frameworks (CFs) can act as boundary objects, facilitating integration in contexts with incomplete knowledge, nonlinearity, and divergent interests. Yet, guidance on developing CFs remains limited. To address this gap, we develop a structured approach and apply it within a research project focused on enhancing the resilience of Swiss Alpine ecosystems. Our approach includes three phases: (1) defining boundary concepts, (2) developing a CF as a boundary object, and (3) using the CF as a boundary object. The resulting CF supports communication, collaboration, and integration across disciplines, advancing SES research that addresses ecological resilience and sustainability. Our approach can be used by other interdisciplinary teams aiming to develop adaptable CFs that facilitate knowledge integration across disciplines.
Authors
- Fritz Schlunegger (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2955-4440)
- Astrid Zabel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3953-7505)
- Chantal Schmidt
- Brian W. McArdell (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5322-8741)
- Péter Molnár (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6437-4931)
- Louis A. König (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9264-9453)
- Eva Lieberherr (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5985-0809)
- Ivana Logar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3595-4774)
- Sabine Hoffmann (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6750-8069)
- Harald Bugmann (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4233-0094)
- Simone Quatrini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5036-5708)
- Veronika Schick (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9265-7573)
- Jialin Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6850-3454)
- Martin Nicola Huber (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9161-2026)
- Jasmin Krähenbühl
- H.P. Salomon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9105-5336)
- Julie Elisabet Dölker
Institutions
- University of Bern (CH)
- Bern University of Applied Sciences (CH)
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (CH)
- ETH Zurich (CH)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (CH)
Publication Details
- Journal
- AMBIO
- Published
- 2025-08-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-025-02210-z
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Sustainability and Climate Change Governance
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.11
Funders
- National Science Foundation
- Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung