One of the most urgent topics of the present, yet only slowly and arduously proceeding, is the energy transition, especially in the heat and building sector. Here, the basic hypothesis is that collaborations between all stakeholders involved are crucial to accelerate the process. The opening of every individual towards the perspective of others and an overarching joint intention is needed. Working from a sustainability science perspective, it is argued that approaching the transition from inside the system will lead to a common ground for collective action. The authors' role as communication researchers and transformative scientists is embedded in the broader accompanying research for the energy transition in the building sector ('Energiewendebauen'). With this paper and authors' work within the broader research network, an attempt is made to open the minds for innovative ways of working and facilitating the shift between science and practice by fostering thriving collaborations applying communication and collaboration knowledge. For this purpose, a multitude of different methods are drawn upon, some of which will be presented in this paper with a special focus on Generative Scribing, which is an artistic approach established in the context of Theory U. Although the method might initially be perceived as being rather unusual by some people and the practicing of this new way of working and communicating might even be rejected by a few, first findings show that when this method is used, people are intuitively attracted and open up in the process.

As a result of globalization of markets and increasing marine traffic, more than 130 introduced species have so far been recorded in the Wadden Sea. This unique coastal area constitutes an ecosystem of global importance and is recognized by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage site. Efforts are made to monitor introduced species and to study their ecological effects on native species and biodiversity, ecosystem processes, and functioning. Social aspects that relate introduced species specifically to people and human society, however, are less studied. To explore this rather new field of research, qualitative interviews were conducted with stakeholders of the Wadden Sea, asking (1) How do introduced species affect people’s lives and (2) How do people perceive introduced species? The interviews were evaluated with a qualitative content analysis. As one first result of this exploratory study it turned out that immaterial aspects of the Wadden Sea, such as recreational potential and cultural identity, appear to be largely affected by introduced species. Moreover, the mere fact of change was mostly regarded with skepticism or aversion, regardless of actual effects. Based on the stakeholder interviews, a conceptual framework with the factors identified as influencing perception was developed. It is suggested that a better understanding of the social component is essential for an integrated management and sustainable solutions.