Improving knowledge exchange from research to urban sustainability
Abstract
This thesis explores knowledge exchange (KE) practices used by researchers and
practitioners in the urban environment, aimed at improving urban sustainability. Using
qualitative research methods and the case study approach, the research investigates the
historical case of implementation of the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in
Scotland, in order to illustrate practitioners-led KE. Furthermore, it analyses four case
studies from the EPSRC-funded Sustainable Urban Environments Programme, in order
to illustrate KE from the perspective of research.
To assess how KE practices’ impact on urban sustainability can be improved, the thesis
develops two new frameworks: (i) the Engagement Benefits Framework, assessing KE
features associated with impactful collaborations; and (ii) the KE Impact Assessment
Framework, assessing scattered impacts on complex environments, such as urban
sustainability.
The analysis of data using both frameworks resulted in the identification of four
engagement models: ‘consultancy’, ‘co-production’, ‘advisory’ and ‘dissemination’
models. The ‘co-production’ and ‘advisory’ models display the most of engagement
benefits. They also score highest on the KE Impact Assessment Framework. It is
therefore concluded that knowledge exchange characterised by engagement benefits can
achieve better impacts on complex environments. The KE Impact Assessment
Framework represents a static record of impacts achieved without recourse to information
about causal relationships between them. To reflect the long-term process of alignment
and change in the built environment illustrated by the SUDS case study, the assessment
would need to be repeated. Lastly, KE’s most essential outcome is the built capacity of
practitioners, which enables them to contextualise and utilise the knowledge beyond the
project and to reflect the changing requirements of sustainability transitions.