Crafting Usable Knowledge for Sustainable Development

This article examines how scientific knowledge can be made more useful for addressing sustainable development challenges. The authors argue that producing “usable knowledge” requires more than scientific rigor; it also depends on credibility, legitimacy, and relevance to decision-makers. Drawing on experiences from sustainability science, the paper analyzes institutional arrangements and collaborative processes that enable effective interaction between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The authors propose strategies for co-producing knowledge, strengthening boundary-spanning institutions, and improving the capacity of science to inform action on complex environmental and development problems. The article contributes to broader debates about knowledge governance, sustainability transitions, and evidence-informed policymaking.