Around two decades ago, we examined how key environmental concerns were likely to unfold for India. Projections were made and strategies were recommended to address air pollution, water pollution, solid waste management, and land degradation-related challenges for articulating the alternative scenario (Pachauri, Singhal, and Kandra 2004) for ‘India 2025’. This led to a call for improvement across dimensions such as improved environmental governance and effective corporate environmental responsibility. Though these dimensions drew attention back then, today they still pose complexity and urgency to deal with and might remain so beyond 2025!

Sustainability challenges are inherently complex, as they intersect in physical, biological, and social dimensions (UNESCO, 2023). Solutions proposed by scholars, researchers, and policymakers often face real-world constraints, making it difficult to implement risk-free resolutions (Lönngren and van Poeck, 2021). These can be termed as ‘wicked problems’ as they are impossible-to-solve problems and require multidimensional viewpoints and assessments to offer holistic, practical solutions (Rittel and Webber, 1973; Lönngren and van Poeck, 2021). One innovative approach to addressing such problems is integrating multiple stakeholders through the co-production of knowledge (Maas, Pauwelussen, and Turnhout 2022). This approach assists in overcoming the limitations of linear models, where researchers and policymakers operate within defined boundaries.

Knowledge co-production is a collaborative and iterative process involving diverse stakeholders to tackle complex sustainability challenges. By treating science and politics as inseparable and co-constituted, this approach generates context-specific knowledge and facilitates social learning while strengthening capacity, fostering social capital, and driving actionable sustainability practices. At the Emerson Centre of Excellence for Sustainability Studies at TERI-SAS, we attempt to strengthen the interface between science, policy and practice, valuing the interplay of political, economic, cultural and institutional factors. Overarching and specific recommendations are being developed by adapting knowledge co-production approach for areas such as energy and climate change, ecosystem-based adaptation and green infrastructure (Singhal and Kumar, 2024), sustainable smart cities, water and waste management, and sustainable consumption and production. For instance, we are using the approach towards developing a holistic framework to strengthening capacities of higher educational institutions (HEIs) for transitioning towards net zero. This participatory approach engages institutional leaders, academics, administrative staff, and students to collaborate on reducing emissions and achieving sustainability goals. The framework integrates scientific evidence with stakeholder values, opinions, and perceptions to provide context-specific sustainability policies. By combining science, social behaviour, governance, and financial considerations, the model fosters actionable and inclusive sustainability strategies for campuses.

We are also adapting the knowledge co-production approach in assessing and developing the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) management strategies for the Maha Kumbh Mela. WaSH challenges at this mega event arise due to the influx of millions of devotees. Our study involves 14 key stakeholders, including pilgrims, Mela authorities, government officials, civil society organisations, vendors, and fishermen, to map perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours that affect WaSH outcomes. Through surveys and stakeholder interviews, we emphasize cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and equity, ensuring sustainability practices align with spiritual values while addressing hygiene needs.

Our studies raise the significance of knowledge co-production approach in generating actionable insights and diverse, value-driven decision-making options. For example, at the Kumbh Mela, religious beliefs often take precedence over hygiene with limited yet much needed behavioural change. Our preliminary findings suggest that interventions designed and led by engagement of multiple stakeholders including religious leaders, are essential to address such deeply ingrained cultural practices. In conclusion, addressing wicked problems in sustainability necessitates knowledge co-production that strengthens science–policy–practice interface. By fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity, knowledge co-production provides robust frameworks for tackling complex sustainability challenges. At its core, this approach acknowledges the diversity of problem dimensions and stakeholder priorities, enabling the development of actionable, context-specific solutions.

References

Lönngren, J. and van Poeck, K. 2021. Wicked problems: a mapping review of the literature. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 28 (6): 481–502. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2020.1859415

Maas, T.Y., Pauwelussen, A. and Turnhout, E. 2022. Co-producing the science–policy interface: towards common but differentiated responsibilities. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 9 (1), p. 93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-022-01108-5

Pachauri, R. K. Singhal, S. Kandra, H.S. 2004. Environment. In India 2025: social, economic, and political stability, R. K. Sinha (Ed.), CPR, New Delhi 

Rittel, H. W. J. and Webber, M. M. 1973. Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning. Policy Sciences, 4 (2): 155–169

Singhal, S. and Kumar, M. 2024. Co-production approach to ecosystem based adaptation and urban green infrastructure efficiency in metropolitan city-regions of India. In: City Innovation in a Time of Crisis, Kresl, P. K., Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, UK

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Scientific Organization (UNESCO). 2023. Sustainability Science. Details available at , last accessed on 9 January 2025

Wyborn, C. et al. 2017. The science policy practice interface. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.10454.96322  #

Mr Sagarmoy Phukan is Research Fellow at Emerson Centre of Excellence for Sustainability Studies; Dr Amit Kumar Jaglan is Post-Doctoral Fellow, Emerson Centre of Excellence for Sustainability Studies; and Prof. Shaleen Singhal is the Director at Emerson Centre of Excellence for Sustainability Studies.