The meeting was the kick off for a new research programme on Knowledge and Social Learning

19-20 February 2008; Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB) Humans need to react to the self-triggered reality of global environmental change. Political debate about practical responses and social adaptation revealed broad conviction that the people of the world must become and remain active participants in building globally sustainable societies that benefit all. Such a desirable condition can only develop through an on-going process of communicating, learning, and sharing knowledge involving general public as well as scientists and policy makers. This multi-party engagement is the backbone in IHDP’s cross-cutting theme on “Knowledge and Social Learning for Societal Change and Sustainability”. To identify the future research themes and questions, leading experts in fields highly relevant to knowledge systems and social learning were invited to the Berlin Thinkshop.

The event on the 19&20 of February 2008, which was partnered by the Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB), was generously sponsored by the European Science Foundation (ESF), the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung and the Hasselblad Foundation.

Experts such as Dr. Rüdiger Klein (ESF), Prof. Ilan Chabay (University of Göteborg/Chalmers University), Prof. Ariane Berthoin-Antal (WZB), Prof. Bernd Siebenhüner (University of Oldenburg), Prof. Josee van Eijndhoven (Dutch Research Institute for Transition) and Prof. Miranda Schreurs (Frei Universität Berlin) guided the participants through various topics such as “Knowledge, Social Learning and Global Change” or “Learning about Learning”. Prof. PS Ramakrishan (Jawaharlal Nehru University) and Prof. Peter Haas (University of Massachusetts) were won as keynote speakers, and shared their experience on traditional knowledge systems and the role of learning in governance processes.

Intellectually stimulating atmosphere, showed the variety of topics for the future research agenda, ranging from cutting-edge academic discussions around social tipping points to the practical nexus between learning and actions in societies.

The results of the fruitful discussions both in the panel and working groups will now shape future efforts on outcomes that will improve learning and knowledge for change leading to a sustainable society.

Concept Note:PDF
Read more about the Knowledge and Social Learning Public Event in Berlin

A complete report about the thinkshop and its outcomes will follow shortly.
Text: Janne Weinem
Photos: Ellen Pfeiffer

Photo Gallery:

Prof. Peter Haas

The WZB conference room is an artfully restored 19th century hall with an inspiring atmosphere

Prof. PS Ramakrishan/Dr. Rüdiger Klein (ESF)

Working Group