Call for Book Chapters International Handbook on Innovative Pathways for Sustainable Transformation in Africa: Transdisciplinary Perspectives

Call for Book Chapters

International Handbook on Innovative Pathways for Sustainable Transformation in Africa: Transdisciplinary Perspectives

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The Managing Africa Research Network (mRAN) (www.resanet.org) is a rapidly growing and dynamic center of excellence and knowledge sharing for researchers interested in Africa’s development. We seek to advice African governments though our research unit with evidence informed research and solutions to businesses through our entrepreneurship diagnostic centre. Our research unit is carrying out a call for book chapters on transdisciplinary perspectives that captures innovative pathways to sustainable transformation in Africa. We are therefore extending invitation to scholars interested in Africa to submit book chapters. ?

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1.?????? Overview and Rationale

The African continent faces a complex array of interconnected challenges, from persistent poverty and food insecurity to environmental degradation, public health crises, and widening socio-economic inequalities. Addressing these problems requires a fundamental paradigm shift in development thinking and practice – moving away from siloed, technocratic solutions towards more holistic, participatory, and transformative frameworks. This international handbook aims to present cutting-edge, transdisciplinary models, theories, and frameworks that can catalyze sustainable transformation across Africa. Departing from traditional disciplinary boundaries, the publication will bring together leading African and non-African scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to showcase innovative, interdisciplinary perspectives on driving systemic change. Grounded in the principles of Mode 4 knowledge production, this handbook will emphasize the importance of integrating diverse knowledge systems, including indigenous, academic, and practitioner-based forms of expertise. By fostering inclusive, collaborative, and socially engaged research and innovation, the publication aspires to inspire transformative pathways towards more equitable and sustainable development in Africa.

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2.?????? Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations

Rethinking Development: Transdisciplinary Perspectives

Critiques of traditional development paradigms have long been the subject of scholarly debate, with prominent voices challenging the underlying assumptions and Eurocentric biases of mainstream development theory and practice. These scholars have argued for the need to move beyond linear, technocratic models towards more holistic, contextually grounded approaches that recognize the interconnected nature of social, economic, environmental, and cultural systems. Building on these critiques, the handbook will present novel transdisciplinary perspectives on development that integrate diverse worldviews, values, and knowledge systems. Conceptual frameworks highlighting the importance of decolonizing development and centering the voices and expertise of marginalized communities will be explored. Furthermore, the publication will delve into transdisciplinary methodologies for stakeholder engagement, co-creation, and co-production of knowledge.

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Transforming Innovation Ecosystems: The Mode 4 Knowledge Production Model

Addressing Africa's complex development challenges requires a fundamental rethinking of innovation ecosystems and knowledge production processes. Mode 4 knowledge production represents a transformative approach that emphasizes collaboration, transdisciplinarity, and a values-oriented perspective in research and innovation. Unlike previous modes (1-3), which were constrained by disciplinary boundaries or focused mainly on immediate problem-solving, Mode 4 encourages the active participation of a diverse range of stakeholders, including academia, industry, spiritual and religious organizations, marginalized communities, and environmental entities. This inclusive framework aims to co-create knowledge that is not only relevant but also addresses complex societal challenges in a holistic manner. It signifies a shift towards more adaptive and iterative research processes that prioritize sustainable and equitable outcomes.

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The handbook will showcase strategies for building collaborative innovation hubs, living labs, and testbeds across Africa, as well as examine the institutional policies, governance structures, and support mechanisms necessary for sustaining transdisciplinary innovation.

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?Addressing Complex Challenges Through Transdisciplinary Research

The handbook will feature in-depth case studies that demonstrate the application of transdisciplinary research approaches in addressing Africa's most pressing socio-economic, environmental, and governance challenges. These case studies will span diverse thematic areas, such as food systems, energy transitions, public health, urban development, and climate change adaptation. The publication will explore transdisciplinary research design, data collection, and analysis techniques, as well as delve into the pathways for translating research into tangible development outcomes and systemic impact.

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Capacity Building and Leadership for Transdisciplinary Work

Realizing the transformative potential of transdisciplinary approaches requires a fundamental shift in mindsets, skills, and institutional cultures. The handbook will address the critical need for cultivating interdisciplinary research teams and fostering a collaborative, transformative ethos. Furthermore, the publication will showcase innovative transdisciplinary education, training, and professional development programs, as well as strategies for institutionalizing transdisciplinary practices within organizations and communities.

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Funding, Governance, and Sustainability of Transdisciplinary Initiatives

Sustainable financing and equitable governance models are essential for the long-term viability of transdisciplinary development initiatives. The handbook will explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, impact investing, and crowdfunding. Furthermore, the publication will delve into collaborative governance frameworks that enable shared decision-making and knowledge-sharing. Lastly, the handbook will present monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks for transdisciplinary programs and their long-term impact.

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3.?????? Objectives

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-????????? Establish novel transdisciplinary paradigms that integrate diverse knowledge systems, values, and stakeholder perspectives for inclusive and equitable development in Africa.

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-????????? Showcase innovative conceptual frameworks, methodologies, and tools that enable the co-creation of sustainable solutions with communities, industries, governments, and civil society.

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-????????? Highlight successful case studies and empirical evidence demonstrating the impact of transdisciplinary approaches in addressing Africa's most pressing socio-economic, environmental, and governance challenges.

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-????????? Provide practical guidance and capacity-building resources for researchers, development organizations, and decision-makers to effectively plan, implement, and scale transdisciplinary initiatives.

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-????????? Foster cross-continental collaboration and knowledge exchange between African and non-African experts to accelerate sustainable transformation in Africa.

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4.?????? Thematic Areas for Book Chapter Submissions

The following thematic areas are welcome for submission.

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Rethinking Development: Transdisciplinary Perspectives

-????????? Critiques of traditional development paradigms and the need for holistic, systems-based approaches

-????????? Conceptual frameworks for integrating diverse knowledge systems (indigenous, academic, practitioner, etc.)

-????????? Transdisciplinary methodologies for stakeholder engagement, co-creation, and co-production of knowledge

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Transforming Innovation Ecosystems: The Mode 4 Knowledge Production Model

-????????? Expanding the triple helix to include media, culture, civil society, and the natural environment

-????????? Strategies for building collaborative innovation hubs, living labs, and testbeds across Africa

-????????? Institutional policies, governance structures, and support mechanisms for transdisciplinary innovation

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Addressing Complex Challenges Through Transdisciplinary Research

-????????? Case studies in thematic areas such as food systems, energy, health, urbanization, climate change, etc.

-????????? Transdisciplinary research design, data collection, and analysis techniques to foster sustainable transformation in Africa

-????????? Pathways for translating research into tangible development outcomes and systemic impact.

Capacity Building and Leadership for Transdisciplinary Work

-????????? Cultivating interdisciplinary research teams and fostering a collaborative, transformative mindset.

-????????? Transdisciplinary education, training, and professional development programs.

-????????? Strategies for institutionalizing transdisciplinary practices within organizations and communities.

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Funding, Governance, and Sustainability of Transdisciplinary Initiatives.

-????????? Innovative financing mechanisms (e.g., public-private partnerships, impact investing, crowdfunding).

-????????? Equitable governance models that enable shared decision-making and knowledge-sharing.

-????????? Monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks for transdisciplinary programs and their long-term impact.

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Private sector dynamics for sustainable transformation in Africa

-????????? The role of the private sector in sustainable transformation?

-????????? Pathways adopted multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises in addressing sustainability in Africa

-????????? Private-public partnerships to address issues of sustainable transformation

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The handbook will be edited by a distinguished, international team of experts on transdisciplinary pathways for sustainable transformation in Africa. All chapters will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the highest quality and academic integrity. A leading global publisher will publish this international handbook. Interested contributors are invited to submit chapter abstracts (maximum 250 words) by 15 February 2025 to any the following email address of the editorial team.

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Dr. Richard Adu-Gyamfi

-????????? Director, Managing Africa Research Network??????????????

[email protected]

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Dr. Pitshou Moleka

-????????? Postdoctoral Fellow and Innovator (Eudoxia Research Centre, India)

-????????? Special Advisor, Managing African Research Network????????????????????????

[email protected]

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Professor Madei Mangori

-????????? Co-ordinator for Business and Excellence (Accreditation & Operations) BBTI Global College of Leadership

-????????? Special Advisor, Managing African Research Network?

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[email protected]

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5. Timeline for Chapter Submission and Publication

-????????? Call for Chapter Abstracts: 15 February 2025

-????????? Notification of Accepted Abstracts: 15 March 2025

-????????? Submission of Full Chapters: 15 July 2025

-????????? Peer Review and Revisions: 15 October 2025

-????????? Final Manuscript Submission: 15 January 2026

-????????? Publication: 28 February 2026

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