How would you describe the strengths and distinctiveness of knowledge generation by RCEs and how might this research capacity be enhanced?

Knowledge is always locally relevant, applicable to life, and meaningful to communities

Knowledge is freely pursued by RCEs Knowledge is respectful of ethical boundaries and linked to

appropriate innovation Responsibility to disseminate knowledge Research problems and methods emerge from local problems in

communities that drive innovation Inclusive, transdisciplinary themes to encourage broad

multistakeholder participation Participatory action research that includes marginalized groups

that is democratic and equitable

Research on to how engage communities and to make effective transformation for sustainable development

Research resources from communities of learners and science; respecting and including different kinds of knowledge

Acknowledgement and appreciation of sources with longterm commitment to communities building trust

Research for capacity building in problem solving, bridging boundaries/interfacing, facilitating solutions, leadership

Transdisciplinary and holistic research by nature of approach

Research into models of action research/methodologies Research aptitude built into education curriculum from an

early age

Make use of existing collaborative partnerships of RCE Create RCE networks to discuss methodologies and

capacity building of researchers Awareness of transdisciplinarity among researchers Case studies of effective RCE research approaches Research training for RCEs appropriate to the research

context Modules on how to do research useful for diverse settings Use of local resources and traditional technology in

advancing research Open access journals and other mediums and open access

policies of RCEs and UNU

How can existing research programs and accomplishments of RCEs be made more visible for various audiences? How can we document and share our knowledge and best practices more effectively?

TV programs and other media campaigns (e.g. billboards) Social networking around sustainability problems (e.g.

facebook, twitter) Online communities and e-portfolios Inter and intra-school debates Promotion of RCE research directly to stakeholders Promotion of RCEs, RCE partners, and RCE research

through other networks (e.g. national and international conferences)

Summer schools on sustainability

An RCE award/recognition for research projects and stakeholders

Bulletins and traditional publications Student handbooks about RCE research and methods Having open events for public Use of alternative media forms (e.g. Community theatre,

case studies framed as stories or games) Develop communication models for RCEs (e.g. websites,

newsletter) Involve celebrities (sports, music, fashion, movies) Include major companies and cultural industries Assist partners in tracking and affirming for community

engagement

Are there specific research objectives that are strategically important to achieve by RCEs and what research outputs are achievable in the near future? How might resources be mobilized to achieve these strategic research goals?

Strategically linking universities in research processes and feedback of research results to academic communities

Deliberate inclusion of traditionally overlooked disciplines (e.g., social work, humanities) and groups (e.g., indigenous peoples, community services groups, faith organizations, entrepreneurs/chambers of commerce, SME associations, cooperatives, labour organizations)

Programs to immediately transfer knowledge to communities Focus on expertise and needs of elderly and physically and

socially challenged Research into education for specific transformative technologies