Collaborative problem framing is crucial to arrive at integrated results in inter- and transdisciplinary research projects. Its significance is supported by empirical evidence gained in a survey, which shows significant differences concerning common goals, language, and theoretical basis between teams who had achieved a synthesis and those that had not. A shared view of a problem and of how to deal with it is the starting point for inquiries of individuals and/or subprojects, and the point to return to after their results are available. Thus, balancing collaborative and individual work is crucial in managing such projects. Managing inter- or transdisciplinary projects covers a number of highly demanding processes taking place during their life span. It is a complex and demanding scientific task that could be called “content-rich moderation” (following the German “Inhaltsreiche Moderation”) to express its nature. To succeed, managers of inter- or transdisciplinary projects need different kinds of expertise.
Demarcating transdisciplinary research in sustainability science—Five clusters of research modes based on evidence from 59 research projects
