Joint problem framing as reflexive practice: Honing a transdisciplinary skill

The paper introduces a heuristic framework for conducting joint problem framing (JPF) processes in transdisciplinary research (TD). JPF is an essential element in confronting real-world problems, especially in the realm of sustainability. It is the process of clarifying and prioritizing aspects of a problem situation to ensure its relevance for a diverse collection of stakeholders involved. The goal of this paper is twofold. First, we identify the documented challenges in conducting a joint problem framing process and through personal experience with case studies. Second, we introduce a means to address these challenges in the form of a heuristic framework. This framework is a series of questions which first asks for a description and explanation of the JPF process, based on researcher observations. Then, the framework leads its user to probe for the assumptions behind these observations. Finally, the framework helps its user to derive insights and lessons for conducting future JPF processes based on these responses. This framework is geared primarily towards helping transdisciplinary researchers with varying levels of experience, but can also be used by practitioners.