Aims and Approach

Aims

• Bring together development studies and science and technology studies

• Develop a new theoretical pathways approach to understanding interactions between social, technological and environmental dynamics in diverse local conditions

• Devise a suite of tools and methods linking new theory with practical solutions, creating more sustainable, socially just and favourable conditions for the poor

• Address the global challenges through cross-cutting interdisciplinary research projects with a bottom-up perspective

• Engage with a diverse local and global audiences, from local communities to international governments and global institutions to help make change happen

• Generate new debate and influence policy

• Train a generation of junior researchers, Masters’ students, PhD students and postdoctoral fellows trained in the STEPS Centre’s concepts, methods and approaches

Approach

Our unique new ‘pathways’ approach aims to understand the complex, non-linear interactions between social, technological and environmental systems. Some pathways may threaten poor peoples’ livelihoods and health while others create opportunities for sustainability.

Our unique interdisciplinary position links social scientists, natural scientists, and users to develop new tools and methods linking theory with practical solutions while a new generation of researchers will train on our MA and PhD courses.

We seek to advance policy debate through collaborative work that generates debate and enhances citizen engagement. Making our work as widely accessible as possible will ensure productive engagement with diverse local and global audiences – natural scientists, international organisations, policy-makers, donors, government, NGOs, practitioners and business.

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STEPS Centre Approach Paper

Pathways to Sustainability: an overview of the STEPS Centre approach (pdf 694kb)
By Melissa Leach, Ian Scoones and Andy Stirling

This paper outlines the STEPS Centre approach to understanding dynamic systems and addressing thier goverance so as to promote pathways to Sustainabilty that meet the perspectives and priorities of poor and marginalised groups. It lays out the ingredients of the STEPS Centre's work, including linking diverse social and natural science perspectives, connecting theory, policy and practice and an engaged, interactive approach to communications

• Order a copy of paper from the IDS bookshop, cost £5.00 per paper or order the set of seven STEPS titles for £20.00
• Read a summary of this paper

This work is licenced under a
Creative Commons Licence.

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STEPS briefing 7: Pathways to Sustainability: the STEPS Centre approach

Melissa Leach
Download this briefing (pdf 218kb)

 

 

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