Understanding interactive knowledge development in coastal projects

Various concepts have been developed that refer to interactive modes of knowledge production. Examples such as Mode 2 knowledge and post-normal science highlight the involvement of researchers, decision makers and other societal actors, in order to develop relevant knowledge for decision making. Existing research into such modes of knowledge development focuses on the interfaces between science, policy, and society. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for the connection between interactive knowledge development and a project environment. The aim of this paper is to improve the understanding of interactive knowledge development in a project environment, by presenting a case study of interactive knowledge development in a coastal project. Coastal projects intend to develop solutions in the coastal zone: a dynamic and fast changing environment. This paper adapts the policy arrangement approach to study interactive knowledge development longitudinally in the Texel dike reinforcement project. Eight mechanisms are derived that affect and explain the process of interactive knowledge development in this case. The mechanisms indicate how interactive knowledge development may result in more relevant knowledge and broadly accepted solutions.

► There is little empirical research on interactive knowledge development in a project environment.
► The conceptual framework introduces two types of arrangements to separate interactive knowledge development from the overall project goals.
► The case study describes a process of interactive knowledge development in a dike reinforcement project.
► Eight causal mechanisms are derived that explain a process of interactive knowledge development in this case.