12.3.2.3 The role of the researchers

At the workshop, four people from the Nyenrode academic research team were present to guide the process and to fulfil two roles: (i) to facilitate the process (both plenary and in sub-groups); and (ii) to provide input at certain moments in the process, based on the insights gained in the desk research phase. Furthermore, the team considered itself a relevant party, because of its position to oversee the market and to identify opportunities. Moreover, the team could be of assistance to market actors in respect of developing tools which are necessary for further market development, or further align actors in multi-stakeholder processes.

The multiple roles that were to be fulfilled by the team deserved some specific considerations beforehand. Typically, a facilitator is neutral and solely focused on the process. In this case, however, the researchers had also developed a perspective on the field, and had generated knowledge on the system which they felt necessary to share with the participants. This dilemma was dealt with by appointing one researcher as the 'facilitator' of the workshop. Another role was attributed to the author: to present the team s research results and to share its views and ideas with the participants. Finally, the two other researchers participated in the process just like the other participants. Apart from this practical solution, throughout the process the team was open and explicit about its interest.