The transdisciplinary research mode has gained prominence in the research on and for sustainability transformations. Yet, solution-oriented research addressing complex sustainability problems has become complex itself, with new transdisciplinary research formats being developed and tested for this purpose. Application of new formats offers learning potentials from experience. To this end, we accompanied fourteen research projects conceptualized as real-world labs (RwLs) from 2015 to 2018. RwLs were part of a funding program on ‘Science for Sustainability’ in the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg. Here, we combine conceptual and empirical work to a structured collection of experiences and provide a comprehensive account of RwLs. First, we outline characteristics of RwLs as transformation oriented, transdisciplinary research approach, using experiments, enabling learning and having a long-term orientation. Second, we outline eleven success factors and concrete design notes we gained through a survey of the 14 RwLs: (1) find the right balance between scientific and societal aims, (2) address the practitioners needs and restrictions, (3) make use of the experimentation concept, (4) actively communicate, (5) develop a ‘collaboration culture’, (6) be attached to concrete sites, (7) create lasting impact and transferability, (8) plan for sufficient time and financial means, (9) adaptability, (10) research-based learning, and (11) recognize dependency on external actors. Characteristics and success factors are combined to illustrate practical challenges in RwLs. Third, we show which methods could be used to cope with challenges in RwLs. We conclude discussing the state of debate on RwLs and outline future avenues of research.

ZusammenfassungDer Beitrag beleuchtet die Funktion von Reallaboren als Rahmen für transformative und transdisziplinäre Forschung. Dazu wird zuerst ein Verständnis von Reallaboren vorgelegt, das auf der Reflexion praktischer Erfahrungen von Reallaboren in Baden-Württemberg beruht. Ausgangspunkt hierfür ist ein Verständnis von Reallaboren als Infrastruktur für Realexperimente und andere transdisziplinäre Projekte. Aufbauend auf diesem Verständnis werden die Ziele der Reallaborarbeit in drei Dimensionen, den Forschungs-, Praxis- und Bildungszielen beschrieben. Um einen solchen Rahmen herzustellen und zu pflegen, werden fünf Designprinzipien vorgeschlagen: Problem- und Themenangemessenheit herstellen, räumliche Angemessenheit gestalten, zeitliche Angemessenheit herstellen, angemessene Akteursrollen etablieren sowie experimentell-reflexive Arbeitsweise fördern. Den Abschluss bildet ein Schema aus Zieldimensionen und Designprinzipien, das bei der Ausgestaltung von Reallaboren als Hilfestellung dienen soll, das aber auch als Reflexionsschema verwendet werden kann.

Real-world laboratories (RwLs) from an inside perspective: comparing interior design, sustainable development, transformation and learning in three RwLs, we present core issues for the future design of RwLs.Real-world laboratories (RwLs) as a new format within transdisciplinary science aim at promoting learning for and transformation towards sustainability. However, what are essential aspects to take into account while initiating and stabilizing such processes within RwLs? Comparing lessons learned of three German RwLs (BaWü Labs), we show that for establishing RwLs as melting pots for transdisciplinary research and societal transformation, four properties are crucial: an interior design that enables transdisciplinary research and intervention (in particular real-world experiments) based on a stable infrastructure; sustainability as guiding and operationalized principle for differentiating the format “RwL” from other labs; overarching research programs for assessing transformative effects of RwLs and didactic concepts suitable for RwL circumstances. Since RwLs mainly address a long-term cultural change, a long-term funding and research structure are essential as well.

Background: In the last decade, the demand for and supply of energy wood from forests has increased, and experts expect a further increase in the future due to political and societal changes. The objective of this paper was to provide a qualitative analysis of stakeholders' perceptions of current and future trade-offs as well as of synergies between energy wood production and use and other forest ecosystem services (ES). Methods: We developed an explorative research approach and conducted semi-structured interviews with a total of 103 interviewees of six selected stakeholder groups in five European countries: Finland, Germany, Norway, Slovenia and Spain. For the analysis, we adopted a qualitative content analysis approach.

Real-world laboratories (RwLs) stand for a new format of transformative research. Drawing on the concept of “design junctions”, we shed light on what is going on inside an RwL. Based on the example of the RwL Knowledge Dialogue Northern Black Forest, we focus on both the negotiation processes over the normative and methodological requirements of RwL research formats as well as the common practices of day-to-day research work.Real-world laboratories (RwLs) promise to advance, and at the same time study, transitions to sustainability in a specific socio-spatial context. That brings challenges for researchers working in RwLs. In this Design Report, we reflect on the experiences researchers have gained in the RwL Knowledge Dialogue Northern Black Forest, Germany. We propose the concept of “design junctions” as deliberate intervention points in the procedural setup of RwLs that are, however, still contingent on the normative and methodological expectations of this special type of research. We present five design junctions tied to the questions of how to position an RwL in a politicized environment, deploy an interdisciplinary research team, develop the research program in a participatory way, incentivize transdisciplinarity, and engage with stakeholders and citizens.