Paper short abstract:

This paper examines the value of transformative research for the study of economic development in Africa. We find that transformative research may enrich the study of African economic development by illuminating pathways to environmentally, socially and economically sustainable structural change.

Paper long abstract:

Transformative research can be broadly defined as research with a normative commitment and a clear orientation towards societal impact. Since this type of research receives growing support from funding bodies, its meaning and effects in practice merit debate in African Studies. The rise of transformative research is highly relevant for African Studies because it re-casts the light on the normative starting points of research, research independence and the function of research on African societies. This paper contributes to the debate by examining the value of transformative research for the study of economic development in Africa. It clarifies the concept and discusses the limitations and potential of transformative research. We find that transformative research may enrich the study of African economic development by illuminating pathways to environmentally, socially and economically sustainable structural change. Transformative research may expand the methodological and disciplinary scope of research on economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, but trade-offs in terms of its normative base and researcher independence need to be considered.