Speakers
Description
Central Theme
How can we observe progress in the context of complex, transdisciplinary urban research projects? Each transformative urban development project is embedded in a web of global dynamics, local contexts, and multi-layered funding priorities, making impact monitoring especially challenging. To address this complexity, this contribution proposes an impact-oriented monitoring framework that goes beyond static indicators and meets the high degree of flexibility required in rapidly changing urban environments (Albert, 2022; Slawski et al., 2022). Developed through the practical experiences of various urban research projects within the Sustainable Urban Regions (SURE) International urban research initiative , the framework features two key components: self-set references, where projects define their objectives as criteria, and a culture of reflection, which ensures ongoing realignment of these objectives based on real-world experiences.
Together, these elements create effective narratives and guide the pathway of transformative urban development towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Background
Reflection, in this context, is defined as “the practice of periodically stepping back to ponder the meaning of what has transpired to oneself and others in the immediate environment” (Raelin, 2002, p. 66). This process is essential for experiential learning, helping teams gain deeper insights into their work and adapt their approaches to changing circumstances. It expands problem-solving skills, encourages the discovery of new approaches, and helps to address biases (Realen, 2002; Sensoy & DiAngelo, 2018). As such, reflection is particularly important in research and actions that aim to be transformative and span different cultures and disciplines. Incorporated into impact monitoring, it offers a more dynamic and application-oriented way of observing progress toward impact than relying solely on fixed, often quantitative, indicators (Albert, 2022).
To support and institutionalize reflective practices across urban development and research projects, the SURE Toolbox for Reflection offers a starting point. This curated set of reflection tools is designed to foster collaboration, stimulate reflective thinking, and ultimately strengthen the impact of projects. The Toolbox has been shaped by both theoretical insights and practical experience from the transdisciplinary urban research projects, and further refined through feedback from workshops, peer discussions, and collaborative sessions. The tools address the various needs identified - from formalizing informal reflection that often takes place outside of working hours, to creating a safe space for dialogue, identifying if one is on the right track and what needs to change, harvesting (local) knowledge, fostering a common language, and creating impactful narratives.
Key Takeaways
The presented Toolbox for Reflection offers a practical guide to reflection, enabling teams to easily embed reflection into their project work with tools that meet their needs at different stages of the project: from envisioning and strategising project goals, to tracking progress, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration, to tools for gathering insights and capturing outcomes, especially towards the end of the project. These tools are not only practical but also adaptable, allowing teams to reflect at individual, team, and stakeholder levels, ensuring that critical insights are captured, shared, and acted upon.
The impact-oriented monitoring framework offers an innovative alternative to traditional monitoring systems. By emphasizing ongoing reflection, it facilitates deeper engagement, uncovers fresh insights, and provides new ways forward in urban transformation efforts. Ultimately, this approach encourages long-lasting, transformative change in the development of urban regions, equipping teams to navigate the complexities of urban realities with greater agility and awareness. Through reflective practice and structured monitoring, this framework empowers transformative urban research to achieve meaningful and sustainable impacts in complex, evolving environments.
References
Albert, S. & Pandey, M. (Ed.) (2022). Performance Metrics for Sustainable Cities. London. New York. Routledge.
Raelin, J. (2002) „I Don't Have Time to Think!" versus the Art of Reflective Practice. In: Reflections The SoL Journal
Sensoy, Ö. & DiAngelo, R. (2018). Is everyone really equal? Teachers College Press; 2. Edition.
Slawski, A.; Schwartze, F. & Dietrich, K.M. (2022). Transdisciplinary Synthesis Research. Challenges and Approaches of Impact-Oriented Urban and Spatial Research. In: pNd rethink planning. Transformative Research Meets Urban Development - Introduction and Reflection, 1/2022.
| Keywords | Reflective Practice; Transformation; Impact-Monitoring; Transnational Collaboration |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
