This communication summarizes the work and the debates that are being carried out within the CAENTI WP5, Analysis of the application of the governance principles of sustainable development to territorial research-action. After a description of WP5 objectives and 2006 performance, main controversial points of WP5 will be presented. In particular the research action concept, the discussion on the principles of territorial governance of sustainable development and the limits and potential effects of research-action application will be addressed.