Strong partnerships are at the heart of every successful transdisciplinary initiative. But partnerships don’t happen by accident — they require intentional relationship-building, clear communication, and ongoing care throughout the life of a project.
This implementation guide walks you through the key stages of building and sustaining partnerships between academic researchers, community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Stage 1 — Identifying the right partners Start by mapping the stakeholders who have a direct interest in the problem you are addressing. Ask: who is affected by this issue? Who holds relevant knowledge or decision-making power? Who is missing from the conversation? Use a stakeholder mapping tool to visualize relationships and gaps before reaching out.
Stage 2 — Establishing trust and shared purpose Before diving into research activities, invest time in relationship-building. Hold informal conversations, co-design a shared vision, and agree on roles and expectations early. A simple partnership agreement or memorandum of understanding (MOU) can prevent misunderstandings down the road.
Stage 3 — Maintaining the partnership over time Partnerships require ongoing attention. Schedule regular check-ins, celebrate small wins together, and create space for honest feedback. When tensions arise — and they will — address them early and openly rather than letting them fester.
Stage 4 — Closing and transitioning When a project ends, plan the transition carefully. Document lessons learned together, celebrate the partnership’s contributions, and explore whether an ongoing relationship makes sense beyond the project.
