Universität zu Köln

Herwix, Alexander ORCID: 0000-0002-7031-3198, Bogner, Kristina ORCID: 0000-0002-1871-9828 and Schlaile, Michael P. ORCID: 0000-0002-9269-0306 (2025). Core design principles for just sustainability transitions: a framework for transformative research. Sustainability Science, 20 (5). pp. 1833-1862. Springer Nature. ISSN 1862-4065

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Abstract

Transformative research is crucial for orienting, scaling, and accelerating just sustainability transitions (JUSTRAs), which have become a growing priority in sustainability science and policy. This paper addresses the challenge of organizing productive transformative research initiatives by adapting Elinor Ostrom’s Core Design Principles (CDPs) for organizing sustainable collective action. We present a modular framework that illustrates how the CDPs can be applied in the context of transformative research initiatives to support JUSTRAs. In particular, we argue that CDPs can function as boundary objects, fostering productive dialog between different perspectives. This framework offers both theoretical contributions to the field and practical guidance for researchers and practitioners engaged in transformative research initiatives on the ground. By bridging theory and practice, our work aims to make research efforts driving JUSTRAs more productive.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Herwix, Alexander UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7031-3198 UNSPECIFIED Bogner, Kristina UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1871-9828 UNSPECIFIED Schlaile, Michael P. UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9269-0306 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-809859
Identification Number:	10.1007/s11625-025-01707-6
Journal or Publication Title:	Sustainability Science
Volume:	20
Number:	5
Page Range:	pp. 1833-1862
Number of Pages:	30
Date:	4 September 2025
Publisher:	Springer Nature
ISSN:	1862-4065
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Management, Economy and Social Sciences
Divisions:	Weitere Institute, Arbeits- und Forschungsgruppen > Cologne Institute for Information Systems (CIIS)
Subjects:	Social sciences Economics
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Core design principles ; Just sustainability transitions ; Transformative research UNSPECIFIED
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/80985