Ivor Davies

Beyond boundaries 

My research secondments all focus on the common broad theme of researching long term collaborative strategies for interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral and open innovation

My general objectives are to:

• explore new pathways for innovation, based on innovative frameworks, combiningtransnationally (‘trans-boundary’) and locally (territorial) focused action
• re-explore (question) the significance and characteristics of ‘international’ as an effective paradigm for innovation
• contribute to effective long-term collaboration across disciplines, sectors and boundaries
• apply this work to that of partners acting on real, contemporary social issues

As such, my research seeks to situate itself in the heart of the partnership that constitutes ‘Trans-making’, and to ask questions about the nature and potential of such ways of working as a medium for trans-disciplinary social and cultural innovation.

My research secondment to UVEG is in two parts, between July and November. In the first part, the research focuses on:

• desk-based and collaborative research, to build my knowledge about the scope and scale of global and ‘top-down’ frameworks (laws, treaties, protocols, transnational frameworks etc)
• establishing ‘grassroots’ contacts in Valencia, working in particular fields of inclusion, activism and hospitality

In the second part, the research built on this, through:

• in depth interviews with staff and civil society contacts to drill down into their practice and underlying values and theories
• exploring opportunities to build active longer term collaborations with the partner institution and with local actors