New Framework Transforms Sustainability Research Into Real-World Action

<p>Over recent decades, action-oriented research has gained prominence in co-producing actionable knowledge to drive transformative change toward sustainability. However, further methodological developments are needed to support the transition to the application phase of such knowledge. This study presents a novel methodological pathway applied through two identical workshops in two case studies within the Spanish drylands. Grounded in previously co-created strategies aligned with the SDGs, the pathway supports collective deliberation by identifying key actors, tasks, timelines, and operational scales; visualising perceived agency and willingness to act; and determining key agency indicators. Through the triangulation of qualitative content analysis, participant observation, and reflective practice, the findings show how the pathway enabled structured dialogue and the co-creation of a concrete roadmap for coordinated action, enhanced understanding of actors' agency and willingness, clarified how diverse forms of agency can be strategically aligned and combined to advance the implementation of collective strategies, and generated actionable outputs that served as the foundation for a real-world operational plan. The findings demonstrate the pathway's potential to guide the transition from theory to practice in action-oriented research. The study offers practical guidance to foster the adaptability and applicability of the pathway across diverse contexts.</p>