Research
MSI integrative approach of sustainable development challenges is unique, intentionally seeking to combine theories, methods, tools and data from different knowledge domains, in particularly from sustainability assessment, innovation, and governance for sustainable development.
MSI employs a range of methods (assessment, modeling, scenarios, discourse analysis, cultural analysis of perspectives, action research, case studies, data mining, survey analysis, multilevel analysis of innovation-based dynamics) and seeks to combine different approaches in projects. The theoretical foundation of MSI's integrative approach to sustainable development problems is based on three knowledge domains:
- Sustainability assessment
- Innovation for sustainable development
- Governance for sustainable development
Different research backgrounds
MSI researchers with different backgrounds are involved in the study of sustainable development problems. They tackle these problems by:
- Taking an integrative approach to human-environment interaction
- Not assuming away complexity but considering it explicitly
- Spanning boundaries of the pluriform worlds of science and policy
- Accepting that sustainable development is something normative
“An outstanding contribution to society – world leading!"
Drawing on a mix of data, interviews and narrative accounts, the committee of four Dutch and German professors presented their independent assessment in March 2017.
“An outstanding contribution to society – world leading!”, is a verdict by an independent review committee on the work carried out by the United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) and the Maastricht Sustainability Institute (MSI) at Maastricht University, for the period 2010-2015.
The visitation of both institutes was conducted for the VSNU
Download the full report (pdf)
Integrated Sustainability Project
One of the key features of this programme is its educational format. It is problem-driven rather than theory-driven, and it requires the student to be an active participant. During the programme, the students will get to work on an actual case for a real-life client. This will provide the student with first-hand experience in handling sustainability challenges. Upon graduation, the student will also be completely up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. The client the student will meet during the programme may also become a valuable connection later on when looking for a job.
To learn more about the projects click here.