Overcoming Obstacles to Interdisciplinary Research: Empirical Insights and Strategies

Cristo Leon, James Lipuma

This paper presented the significant obstacles to effective interdisciplinary research and discussed strategies to enhance transdisciplinary communication necessary to overcome them. To effectively tackle complex global issues, it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role of interdisciplinary collaboration. This study examined the importance of overcoming communicative barriers to foster innovation and progress. The researchers employed a systematic literature review with a grounded theory approach to navigate the empirical landscape surrounding interdisciplinary research barriers and communication strategies. The findings identified critical barriers, including diverse disciplinary jargon, methodological differences, and a prevailing culture of disciplinary silos. The researchers identified effective strategies for surmounting these challenges, such as promoting inclusive research environments, establishing a common language for interdisciplinary dialogue, and creating transdisciplinary training and collaboration opportunities. The implications of this research suggested that strategic transdisciplinary communication can significantly mitigate barriers to interdisciplinary research, thereby enhancing collaborative outcomes. The authors included two practical examples of the application of transdisciplinary communication to the research collaboration.

Moreover, the paper examined specific, actionable strategies that institutions and researchers can implement to foster a more conducive environment for interdisciplinary endeavors. Future directions highlighted in this paper included the need for further empirical research to refine the identified strategies and explore new methodologies for facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, the researchers emphasized the importance of institutional support in implementing these strategies, suggesting a holistic approach to encouraging transdisciplinary communication and collaboration.

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