Is transdisciplinarity an achievable ideal? Lessons from our experience
Résumé
Transdisciplinarity (TDS) is claimed to be a necessary condition to support the agroecological transition. Based on an analysis of the literature and a cross-reading of seven French transdisciplinary case-studies, we point out the tensions generated by real TDS activity, especially when combining the logic of actions from researchers and non-academic actors, and with the norms of TDS. Our results concern three dimensions: composition of the multi-actor groups, management of temporalities and adaptive nature of a TDS approach. The lessons resulting from this analysis should be usable to fuel reflection on the ex ante or in itinere evaluation of TDS processes, and support other TDS practitioners.