A competencies framework for addressing complex societal challenges

How do researchers and policymakers collaborate effectively under uncertainty and time pressure? A new competencies framework, published by the Engage initiative, offers a structured answer. It identifies four capacities — cognitive, spatial-temporal, relational, and reflexive — that enable meaningful science–policy dialogue, and is accompanied by a cartoon series and a growing Community of Practice.

The challenges shaping our societies today are complex, interconnected, and urgent. Climate change, biodiversity loss, food and water security, urbanization, and land-use change affect ecosystems, economies, and communities, often in ways that are difficult to predict. Decisions must be taken under uncertainty, limited time, and shifting political and budgetary priorities. In this reality, progress depends on more than scientific excellence or political will alone. It depends on our ability to work together across boundaries.

That is the purpose of the Science–Policy Interface (SPI): a space where researchers, policymakers, civil servants, practitioners, and intermediary organizations come together to exchange knowledge, explore trade-offs, and co-develop solutions that are both evidence-informed and socially meaningful.

Yet meaningful and consensus-oriented dialogue does not happen automatically. People bring different languages, working cultures, responsibilities, and perspectives. Power dynamics and conflicting values can shape what is heard and emphasized or overlooked. For many, the challenge is not motivation, but the lack of opportunities to build practical competencies needed to engage effectively in this environment.

A framework for building real capacity

Building a framework for relevant competencies and highlighting offers supporting capacity building for these competencies have been the focus of work package 3 (WP3) within the ETH Domain Joint Initiative Engage – Evidence-based dialogue on trade-offs in wicked societal problems. In the recently published paper (Dettwiler et al., 2025), the WP3 team introduces a competencies framework to support effective engagement at the SPI. This competencies framework offers a clear and structured way to strengthen science–policy dialogue. It identifies four key competencies that support constructive dialogue and joint problem-solving. Each competency combines knowledge, skills, and attitudes—and becomes visible through action, experience, and learning in real settings.

Four key competencies for meaningful engagement

1. Cognitive competency – making sense of complexity

Complex problems require more than quick answers. Cognitive competency is the ability to understand the bigger picture, connect different types of knowledge, and work with uncertainty. It supports system thinking and helps to make trade-offs visible—so that decisions can be made with clarity and responsibility.

2. Spatial-temporal competency – engaging when it matters most

Good ideas need the right moment to make an impact. Spatial-temporal competency is the ability to understand policy and research timelines, recognize windows of opportunity, and choose the right space and format for engagement. It helps actors to  prioritize, adapt, and contribute to where they can make a difference.

3. Relational competency – building trust across boundaries

Progress arises through relationships. Relational competency is the ability to listen deeply, communicate clearly, and build trust over time—across institutions, disciplines, and sectors. It also includes navigating tensions and conflicts in ways that keep dialogue constructive and respectful.

4. Reflexive competency – leading with humility and awareness

Science–policy dialogue is shaped by roles, values, and power. Reflexive competency is the ability to reflect on one’s own position, assumptions, and influence—and to support more inclusive and fair collaboration. It encourages transparency, continuous learning, and a mindset of shared responsibility.

Making competencies visible: a cartoon series

To support learning and communication beyond academic settings, the WP3 team of Engage also developed a cartoon series based on these competency framework in collaboration with the cartoonist Christof Stückeberger. The cartoons translate abstract ideas into simple, relatable situations that reflect real challenges and moments in science–policy dialogue.

They are designed as practical visual tools to support:

• reflection and discussion in workshops and trainings
• communication across disciplines and sectors
• teaching and learning about collaboration at the Science–Policy Interface

Explore the full cartoon series page here. 

Learning by doing: where these competencies grow

These competencies develop best through practice-based learning. They can be strengthened through formats such as policy sprints, co-creative workshops, fellowships, internships, role plays, serious games, stakeholder mapping, and guided reflection. Importantly, learning spaces that bring together actors from science, policy, and practice are especially powerful—because they build not only skills, but also shared understanding and long-term trust.

Why this matters

When we strengthen the Science–Policy Interface by providing capacity building opportunities, we strengthen our collective capacity to respond to complex challenges with intelligence, legitimacy, and courage. This framework provides a shared language and a practical foundation for designing learning formats that support collaboration—so that knowledge does not remain on paper but becomes part of real-world solutions.

Join the Community of Practice (CoP)

To support ongoing exchange and learning, the Engage WP3 team and individuals from many Swiss and European organizations have built a CoP focused on teaching and learning formats at the Science–Policy Interface. It is a space for educators, practitioners, and policy and research professionals to share experiences, methods, and ideas towards improving capacity building for strengthening science–policy collaboration.

If you are interested in joining or collaborating, please contact:  jialin.zhang@eawag.ch

Reference: Dettwiler, D., Salomon, H., Piessens-Siegrist, M., Last, L., Zhang, J., & Hoffmann, S. (2025). Building capacity at the science-policy interface: a competencies framework. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. doi: s41599-025-06403-5

Original post was provided by the World Food System Center (ETH Zurich).