Making transdisciplinarity happen: Phase 0, or before the beginning

Both within science and society, transdisciplinary approaches are increasingly employed to address today’s sustainability challenges. Often research processes structured in three core phases: a) problem identification formation of a common object; b) co-production solution-oriented transferable knowledge; c) embedding co-produced knowledge through reintegration. In all phases this ideal-typical model, the involvement non-academic actors is essential meet challenges real-world problems, transformative practices. Despite existing guidance for process, its initiation often remains an uncharted area because strong context dependency. Based on concrete case study addressing transformation Transylvania, we bring together our learned experience with initiating process using research-driven approach. To end, introduce notion Phase 0, as phase prior beginning process. Within propose empirically literature informed sub-phases: Sub-Phase 0.1) selecting study; 0.2) understanding from perspective; 0.3) fostering premises coming together. We outline general rationale behind these sub-phases, illustrate how carried out each sub-phase practice. By deriving cross-cutting lessons enhance practice aim leverage potential. • show strengthen transformations transdisciplinarity considering meta-conditionalities. science-driven 0 launching TD projects, which begins before framing co-design. break 3 study, context, emphasize role leadership, accepting unpredictability, togetherness shared values, transparency, timing.