SMUS emphasises the science-policy interface and explores alternative ways for researchers-scientists to collaborate with practitioners and other societal actors in development cooperation. This is furthered through transdisciplinary imagination and practice-led research (concerned with the intrinsic nature of a practice).
This approach requires those involved in academic-scientific research and practical professional work to revisit their attitudes and conventions. Likewise, to harness the input of citizens, scientists and practitioners alike must rethink the participatory instances they have traditionally relied on to advance policymaking. By merging various forms of knowledge production, modes of inquiry and worldviews, a coherent knowledge base to tackle wicked urban problems emerges.