Publications

For selected publications on our core topics—innovation systems, collaborative and creative problem-solving, transdisciplinarity, competence development, and sustainable and future-oriented system developments—please see:

Monographs

Steiner, G. (2011): The Planetary Model of Collaborative Creativity: Systemic-Creative Problem Solving for Complex Challenges (Das Planetenmodell der kollaborativen Kreativität: Systemisch-kreatives Problemlösen für komplexe Herausforderungen.) Wiesbaden: Gabler Research

Edited volumes

Hanus, Ch./Steiner, G. (2019) (eds.): Danube Future Interdisciplinary School Proceedings 2017: Cultural and Social Implications of Global Change on the Danube River Basin. Krems a.d. Donau: Edition Donau-Universität Krems.

Journal articles

1. Satalkina, L./Steiner, G. (2025): Innovation systems and co-evolutionary development: a systematic literature review. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge 10(6): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2025.100808 [IF 15.5].

2. Satalkina, L./Hynek, N./Steiner, G. (2025): Implementing Multistage Transdisciplinary Modeling for Policy Interventions: An Approach to System Dynamics and Stakeholder Discourse to Maximize Impacts in Austrian Grassroots Sports Systems Research and Behavioral Science: https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.3159 [IF 2.7].

3. Steiner, G./Laubichler, M.D./Bertau, M./Zenk., L./Weitzer, J./Han, E./Birmann, B.M./Ziganshina Lienhard, D./Caniglia, G./Schernhammer, E.S. (2024). Navigating through poly-crises towards One Health: Mirage or tangible prospect? Insights from the Transatlantic Research Lab on Complex Societal Challenges. GAIA-Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society 33(1): 202 – 203: https://doi.org/10.14512/gaia.33.1.18

4. Zenk, L./Pausits, A./Brenner, B./Campbell, D.F.J./Behrens, D.A./Stöckler, E.M./Oppl, S./Steiner, G. (2024): Meta-competences in complex environments: An interdisciplinary perspective. Thinking Skills and Creativity (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101515) [IF 3.7].

5. Scholz, R.W./Steiner, G. (2023): Process ownership in science–practice collaborations: the special role of transdisciplinary processes in sustainable transitioning. Sustainability Science, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-023-01291-7.

6. Satalkina, L./Steiner, G. (2022): Social innovation: a retrospective perspective. Minerva; https://doi.org/10.1007/s11024-022-09471-y

7. Risopoulos, F./Daghofer, F./Steiner, G. (2020): Competences for Solving Complex Problems: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Higher Education for Transformative Learning and Transdisciplinarity. Sustainability, 12, 6016: DOI:10.3390/su12156016

8. Steiner, G./Geissler, B./Schreder, G./Zenk, L. (2018): Living sustainability or pretending to? From explicit self-report measures to implicit cognition. Sustainability Science, 13(4): 1001-1015. DOI: 10.1007/s11625-018-0561-6

9. Steiner, G. (2018): From probabilistic functionalism to a mental simulation of innovation: By collaboration from vulnerabilities to resilient societal systems. Environment Systems and Decisions 38(1): pp. 92–98. DOI: 10.1007/s10669-018-9674-9

10. Scholz, R. W./Steiner, G. (2015c): The real type and ideal type of transdisciplinary processes: Part II – What constraints and obstacles do we meet in practice? Sustainability Science, 10(4), pp. 653-671. DOI 10.1007/s11625-015-0327-3.

11. Scholz, R. W./Steiner, G. (2015b): The real type and ideal type of transdisciplinary processes: Part I – theoretical foundations. Sustainability Science, 10(4), pp. 527-544. DOI 10.1007/s11625-015-0326-4

12. Scholz, R. W./Steiner, G. (2015a): Transdisciplinarity at the crossroads. Sustainability Science, 10(4), pp. 521-526. DOI 10.1007/s11625-015-0338-0

13. Steiner, G. (2014): Problem discovery as a collaborative, creative, and method-guided search for the “real problems” as raw diamonds of innovation. Working Paper 2014-0003, Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University, May 2014.

14. Steiner, G. (2013): Competences for Complex Real-World Problems: Toward an Integrative Framework. Working Paper 2013-0002, Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University, April 2013.

15. Steiner, G. (2012): Complex Human & Environment Systems: New Conceptual Paradigms and Transdisciplinary Approaches. Journal of Cleaner Production, 68, pp. 279-280. DOI:10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.10.004

16. Steiner, G. (2009): The Concept of Open Creativity: Collaborative Creative Problem Solving for Innovation Generation - a Systems Approach. Journal of Business and Management, 15(1), pp. 5-34.

17. Steiner, G. (2008): Supporting Sustainable Innovation through Stakeholder Management: a systems view. International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 5(6), pp. 595-616

Book chapters, textbooks, and contributions for academic, professional, and general audiences

1. Steiner, G. (2025): Transdisciplinarity for Mastering Poly-Crises by Mutual Learning Between Science and Practice. In: Mathias Schüz (ed.): Transdisciplinary Thinking and Acting: Fundamentals and Perspectives (Transdisciplinary Management of Ecological and Social Crises), Springer Nature; pp. 155-182; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70680-6_9 [invited book chapter].

2. Steiner, G./Steffelbauer, I./Laubichler, M.D./Zenk, L./Schernhammer, E.S./Birmann, B.M./Bertau, M./Caniglia, G./Mühlmann, K./Satalkina, L./Weitzer, J. (2023): Complexity Literacy for a Sustainable Digital Transition: Cases and Arguments from Transdisciplinary Education Programs. In: Keller, L. et al.: Handbook Digitalization, New Media, and Education for Sustainable Development - Global and National Perspectives and Actions. IGI Global [invited book chapter].

3. Mühlmann, K., Satalkina L., Steiner G. (2023). Dealing with Complexity and Digitalization from a Modern Communication Perspective: How Universities can become Centres for Empowerment. In: Pietrzykowski, M. et al.: Fostering Entrepreneurial and Sales Competencies in Higher Education. Bogucki Wyd. Nauk., Poznań 2023. ISBN 97883-7986-494-2 (DOI: 10.12657/9788379862801).

4. Steffelbauer, I./Zenk, L./Weitzer, J./Bertau, M./Jaeger, C./Caniglia, G./Laubichler, M.D./Schernhammer, E.S./Steiner, G. (2022). Working on COVID-19 under COVID-19 Conditions: Transatlantic, Interdisciplinary Research on Complex Societal Challenges during the Pandemic Years 2020–2021 and New Forms of Collaboration in Science. In Hainzl C, Dialer D, Kusek H (eds.), Gesundheitspolitik und Gesellschaft in der COVID-19-Krise, Lit Verlag Gmbh & Co, KG, Wien; pp. 333-344 [invited book chapter].

5. Bohunovsky, L./Keller, L./Michelsen, G./Steiner, G./Zint, M./Ornetzeder, M. (2022). Kapitel 21. Bildung und Wissenschaft für ein klimafreundliches Leben. In: APCC Special Report: Strukturen für ein klimafreundliches Leben (APCC SR Klimafreundliches Leben) [Görg, C., V.Madner, A. Muhar, A. Novy, A. Posch, K. Steininger und E. Aigner (Hrsg.)]. Springer Spektrum: Berlin/Heidelberg., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4225725

The Transatlantic Lab connects Europe and North America to address systemic risks — from democratic stability and public trust to energy transition and resource geopolitics. Through interdisciplinary research and science–policy dialogue, we develop integrated responses to complex societal challenges across the Atlantic.

This cluster investigates critical raw materials, phosphorus security, and energy transition minerals. Combining mineral economics, sustainability science, and governance research, we analyze supply security, circular economy strategies, and geopolitical risks to support responsible and resilient raw materials systems.

The Transdisciplinary Social Transition Institute focuses on advancing sustainable societal transformations through integrated research, education, and innovation at the intersection of social, economic, and environmental systems. It brings together transdisciplinary approaches that link science, policy, and practice to address complex global challenges such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and green economic transitions.