D5.2 Evaluation of knowledge integration

Task 5.2, Evaluation of Knowledge Integration, was designed to assess and strengthen knowledge integration processes across the BIONEXT project, recognising that transformative sustainability challenges require continuous interaction between disciplines, sectors, stakeholders and modelling approaches. Building initially on the NEOH (Network for Ecohealth and One Health) evaluation framework (EVOLvINC; Hitziger et al. 2019), the task evolved towards a more context- specific and participatory approach that better reflected the dynamic and transdisciplinary nature of BIONEXT. Rather than applying a predefined evaluation framework, the consortium chose to co-develop reflexive methods that could capture the project's emerging complexity, support learning among partners, and facilitate continuous reflection on integration processes throughout the project.

To achieve this objective, a Reflexivity Task Force (RTF) was established in the second half of 2023, bringing together representatives from most BIONEXT partners. The RTF met regularly throughout the project and served as a collaborative platform for developing and implementing innovative approaches to evaluate knowledge integration. The work focused not only on understanding how knowledge integration occurred within BIONEXT, but also on generating practical tools, methods and insights that could support future transdisciplinary sustainability initiatives. The origination and functionality of the RTF is described in a dedicated scientific publication (Chapter 1).

Hans Keune, Ben Delbaere (University of Antwerp), Anita Lazurko (UKCEH), Elizabeth Díaz General (KIT), Elise Järvenpää (SYKE), Romana Březovská (CzechGlobe), Aniek Hebinck (DRIFT)