Knowledge Systems Theme

When science and scientists operate as an integral component of a broader context or ‘operating environment’ they can and do open new spaces for discussion, debate, knowledge and decision-making. Operating environments can be understood as primarily driven by a seemingly simple question in relation to a particular issue: ‘what is at stake and for whom? In the context of the 'wicked problem' of coastal management a key concern is the degree to which the component elements of that problem are structured, and thus how the issues and stakes are presented. Consideration of sectoral and disciplinary boundaries is useful in this regard. The Knowledge Systems Theme presents a model of a tactical problem solving approach to mediating complex relationships through an interaction between the issue, what is at stake and for whom in relation to that issue.