ON THE SOCIAL AND COGNITIVE DIMENSIONS OF WICKED ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS CHARACTERIZED BY CONCEPTUAL AND SOLUTION UNCERTAINTY

We develop a quantitative framework for understanding the class of wicked problems that emerge at intersections natural, social, and technological complex systems. Wicked reflect our incomplete interdependent global systems systemic risk they pose; such escape solutions because are often ill-defined, thus mis-identified under-appreciated by communities problem-solvers. While there well-documented benefits to tackling boundary-crossing from various viewpoints, integration diverse approaches can nevertheless contribute confusion around collective core concepts feasible solutions. explore this paradox analyzing development both scholarly (social) topical (cognitive) — two facets knowledge production studies here towards evolution in problem, termed trajectory associated with three problems: deforestation, invasive species, wildlife trade. posit saturation dynamics social cognitive diversity growth is an indicator reduced uncertainty comprehensive emerging each problem. Informed bibliometric data capturing dimensions problem domain, we thereby assesses stability as wickedness conceptual solution uncertainty. As such, results identify trade may be difficult address given recent instability its trajectory.