Science & Community Change:

Transcription

1 Science & Community Change: Tech Transfer, Urban Forestry & Local Government Policy Kathleen Wolf, Ph.D. Univ of Washington, Seattle Study is Underway what are messages that matter? how are they best communicated? how does science-based knowledge move around? how does science affect local urban forestry policy? 1

2 Background & Context urban forestry social science (environmental psychology) recent sabbatical in Japan Global Urbanization % of humanity lived in urban areas, % 2

3 Japan compact cities dynamic street life 3

4 public & non-motorized transportation gas price & behavior change? 4

5 civic forests sacred forests 5

6 native species & cultural stewardship 6

7 meeting pic? forest symbols 7

8 interior retail space ground level 8

9 Namba Parks, Osaka view from nearby hotel small plazas, retail entry 9

10 passive nature experiences Namba Parks: retail success & nature experience benefits 10

11 Two Research Phases assessment of technology transfer products - underway! case study analysis of cities - late 2008 recent adopters of urban forestry 100K population sponsors: US Forest Service, National Urban & Community Forestry Advisory Council, local collaborators What Have We Learned? Theory of Innovation Diffusion Everett Rogers Theory of Organizations and Diffusion J.D. Eveland & E. Rogers Theory of Communities of Practice Etienne Wenger Open Source Systems 11

12 Principles & Practice Innovation Diffusion & Adoption Everett Rogers Innovation Diffusion universal process of social change 12

13 Innovation Diffusion Main Elements an innovation, communication channels, time, a social system Innovation Diffusion Adopter Traits Innovators - venturesome Early adopters - respect Early majority - deliberate Late majority - skeptical Laggards - traditional change agent! 13

14 Innovation Adoption - Individuals Cumulative Adoption Curve Late adopters C D Urban Forestry in U.S. cities? A Take-off B Early adopters 14

15 Principles & Practice Innovation Adoption by Organizations J.D. Eveland & E. Rogers Organization Innovation c. Structuring d. Interconnecting b. Redefining a. Matching 15

16 Innovation in Organizations Matching recognizing a problem, what might help? Redefining payoffs of the innovation are demonstrated, and it can be done Structuring begin to develop the individual and organizational relationships Interconnecting full and accepted adoption, ongoing systems in place Principles & Practice Communities of Practice Etienne Wenger 16

17 Communities of Practice 1. People form communities as they pursue shared enterprises over time 2. Engagement in social practice is the fundamental process by which we learn & become who we are Communities of Practice community (belonging) practice (doing) LEARNING identity (becoming) meaning (experience) 17

18 local government communities planning parks executive legislative public works internal external NGOs pro groups key citizens civic groups early adopters? change agents? interactions & knowledge transfer NGOs 18

19 Civic Groups Rotary International Preserve Planet Earth Environmental issues such as desertification, land use, pollution, effective water governance, and sustainable development affect all nations. Rotarians are encouraged to live environmentally conscious lifestyles, raise awareness about environmental issues, promote sustainable land, water, and waste management, and improve access to safe water. Learn more about environmental issues: United Nations Environment Programme, Environment Fellowship of Rotarians, Development Gateway Environmental Resources. 19

20 Urban Concerns By 2030 nearly five billion people will live in cities worldwide. As cities expand, the availability of adequate housing, employment, health care, safe water, and basic sanitation facilities decline and one out of every three city residents live in slums. From building homeless shelters to providing educational and vocational opportunities, Rotarians are tackling some of the most sensitive and difficult challenges facing urban populations. Learn more about urban concerns: United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UNESCO Urban Development Program, Urbanicity. Professional Groups Realtors 20

21 Principles & Practice Open Source Products Development software precedent, e.g. Linux 21

22 WA D.C. Forest Canopy Assessment Casey Trees (WA D.C.) science for public attitudes 22

23 Savannah Tree Foundation (GA) science for public policy Sacramento Tree Foundation (CA) science for regional public policy 23

24 Sacramento Tree Foundation (CA) science for regional public policy Your Thoughts & Comments? Theory Integration - Precedent? local government level innovation diffusion/adoption communities of practice open source products In-situ Research? case study - metro area selection knowledge tracing - focused interviews, social network analysis 24

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