Introduction
In a world that’s becoming increasingly interconnected, the need for multi-sector collaboration has never been more urgent. Whether in academia, government, private organizations, or civil society, we are required to work together to solve complex problems. In this context, the Collaborative Convergence Pyramid (CCP) framework serves as a groundbreaking analytical framework that can guide us toward efficient and effective collaboration.
What is the Collaborative Convergence Pyramid?
Developed by Lipuma, Yáñez León, and Guzmán Zarate in 2023, the Collaborative Convergence Pyramid is an analytical framework designed for multi-sector stakeholder communication and collaboration. The pyramid consists of four corners—Academy, Government, Organizations, and Society—that form an outer diamond. Within this structure is an internal diamond representing the dual roles that individuals may play in different sectors at various stages in their lives or careers.
Why the Collaborative Convergence Pyramid is Crucial for STEM Research
The CCP framework operationalizes critical elements such as communication paradigms, functional roles, linguistic barriers, and Trans-Disciplinary Communication (TDC). This makes it indispensable for STEM research, where collaborative efforts across various disciplines are vital for innovation and problem-solving.
Navigating Uncertainty through the Pyramid
One of the unique features of the CCP is its treatment of ‘uncertainty.’ This is most evident at the base level of the pyramid, where the complexity of bringing diverse stakeholders together is acknowledged. However, this uncertainty decreases as one climbs the pyramid due to more targeted and specific collaborative activities.
Reaching Sustainable Solutions: The Apex of the Pyramid
The pyramid’s pinnacle represents the ultimate aim of all collaborative endeavors: achieving sustainable solutions through collaborative convergence. The apex symbolizes the harmony and efficiency attained when multi-sector stakeholders work cohesively.
Conclusion
The Collaborative Convergence Pyramid serves as a map for navigating the complex terrain of multi-sector collaboration. It is particularly relevant in fields like STEM education and research, where the convergence of diverse perspectives is beneficial and essential.
Operative Definition
The Collaborative Convergence Pyramid (CCP) is an analytical framework that fosters efficient and effective communication and collaboration among multi-sector stakeholders (Lipuma et al., 2023, p. 24). The pyramid features four external corners representing the Academy, Government, Organizations, and Society, forming an outer diamond. Recognizing that stakeholders can exist as individual entities and as systems, an additional internal diamond is introduced at the pyramid’s base. This inner diamond accounts for the dual roles that individuals may occupy at different stages of their lives or careers. For example, a professor may transition to being a member of the broader Society upon retirement. Conceived as a dynamic model, the pyramid incorporates the concept of ‘uncertainty,’ which is most pronounced at the base level. As stakeholders ascend the pyramid, they engage in increasingly specific and targeted collaborative activities, reducing uncertainty. This culminates at the apex of the pyramid, where sustainable solutions are realized through collaborative convergence.
The CCP thus provides a multidimensional approach for understanding and navigating the complexities inherent in multidisciplinary collaborations. It is an invaluable tool for academics, policy-makers, and practitioners committed to fostering meaningful collaborative endeavors, especially in fields that intersect with STEM education and research. The CCP framework operationalizes critical elements such as communication paradigms, functional roles, linguistic barriers, and Trans-Disciplinary Communication (TDC). It is particularly relevant for convergence research, which necessitates the amalgamation of diverse disciplinary perspectives, including those from Society, to address intricate and complex societal challenges.
Note. Adapted from Reflections on Communication, Collaboration, and Convergence: Strategic Models for STEM Education and Research p. 24, James Lipuma, Cristo E. Yáñez León, Victor Hugo Guzmán Zarate, 2023, Mito, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Copyright © 2023 CC-BY-NC-SA, Mito 2023
Sources
Lipuma, J., Yáñez León, C. E., & Guzmán Zarate, V. H. (2023). Reflections on Communication, Collaboration, and Convergence: Strategic Models for STEM Education and Research (CLDM_LDO; 1st ed.). Mito; /Research/Collaboration & Convergence. https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/stemresources/37/