Activity systems matter: action-orientation in transdisciplinary research for innovation in agri-food systems

Purpose In transdisciplinary research (TDR) for agri-food innovation, collaboration with societal actors often centres around dialogical activities. We propose Cross-Activity-System Engagement (CASE) to enhance TDR practice, because it is important to co-create and apply experimental knowledge in the process of producing actionable knowledge. Objectives were to: (i) reflect on activities, methods and tools to operationalise CASE; and (ii) analyse how CASE facilitates transformative and expansive learning.Methods Using activity and learning theories, we developed a conceptual framework for CASE. We constructed analytical categories and conducted a qualitative reflective post hoc analysis of CASE in three TDR projects in Kenya and Argentina.Findings In the dialogue stage, CASE comprised activities that made use of artefacts to enhance practical on-site learning through knowledge integration. CASE, during the experimentation and application stages, expanded activities for experimentation, peer-to-peer learning and pilot-testing of innovations.Practical implications CASE enhances transformative and expansive learning. Participants identify and resolve contradictions and gain new insights into tensions, weaknesses or missing elements within their systems. By using activities, methods or tools from other activity systems innovation capacity is enhanced.Theoretical implications Expansive and transformative learning theories support the design and practice of TDR, as learning through CASE directly informs actions and thereby helps close the knowledge-action gap.Originality/Value CASE is a new conceptual and methodological attempt to cross boundaries for enhanced learning and innovation in development-oriented research and advisory practice. Findings directly inform TDR design and practice. The discussion addresses potential values of CASE for agricultural advisory services.