Transdisciplinary Innovation Ecosystems: Creating Societal Value

Abstract

This article addresses the emerging expectations placed on research and innovation in the face of grand societal challenges, emphasising the need for comprehensive transformations that tackle pressing issues such as ageing populations, sustainability crises, and resource scarcity. The concept of transdisciplinary innovation ecosystems is explored, highlighting the role of increasingly engaged role of universities delivering societal impact. Drawing on the case of the Kauppi University Social Welfare and Healthcare Center (KYLSE) in Tampere, Finland, this study investigates how transdisciplinary collaboration can be organised to promote societal value. A survey conducted among researchers and experts in the Tampere University community provides insights into the potential mechanisms to facilitate transdisciplinary knowledge creation and its translation into societal value. The findings underscore the importance of restructuring organisational structures within and surrounding welfare systems to effectively address societal needs. The study contributes to enhancing our understanding of how universities can support transformative policymaking and facilitate real-world transformations to address welfare policy challenges and promote societal value.