INTERDISCIPLINARY FRONTIERS: BRIDGING KNOWLEDGE FOR CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

Rodrigo Franklin Frogeri; Pedro dos Santos Portugal Júnior

doi:10.36674/mythos.v22i1.986

Authors

Rodrigo Franklin Frogeri University Center of Southern Minas Gerais - UNISMG | Universidad Científica Del Sur (Peru) | Federal Center for Technological Education - CEFET-MG (Varginha) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7545-7529
Pedro dos Santos Portugal Júnior Federal Institute of Southern Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS) - Carmo de Minas Campus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36674/mythos.v22i1.986

Keywords:

Interdisciplinary Research, Wicked Problems, Methodological Integration, Institutional Constraints, Theoretical-methodological approach, Sustainable Solutions

Abstract

Interdisciplinary research has emerged as a fundamental approach to tackling the multifaceted challenges of the modern world. By integrating methods, theories, and perspectives from diverse disciplines, interdisciplinarity transcends the limitations of singular disciplinary frameworks, enabling a more holistic understanding of complex issues. This editorial explores the increasing prominence of interdisciplinary research, evidenced by bibliometric trends that demonstrate a steady rise in cross-disciplinary citations since the 1980s. While such research often experiences delayed recognition, its long-term impact is significant, fostering paradigm shifts and new research trajectories. Despite its potential, interdisciplinary research encounters substantial barriers, including epistemological divides, institutional constraints, and methodological incompatibilities. These challenges are particularly pronounced in addressing "wicked problems"—issues characterized by ambiguity, competing values, and systemic interdependencies, such as climate change, healthcare equity, and sustainable agriculture. The success of interdisciplinary initiatives depends not only on methodological integration but also on reflexivity and epistemic humility, acknowledging the biases inherent in different disciplinary perspectives. This editorial highlights key domains where interdisciplinary collaboration is imperative: healthcare innovations, technological and agricultural advances, and socio-cultural and economic transformations. In these areas, solutions must reconcile scientific, ethical, and socio-political considerations to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes. Recognizing the need for institutional reforms, scholarly platforms like Mythos play a crucial role in legitimizing and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. By embracing methodological pluralism and collaborative rigor, interdisciplinary research can illuminate pathways toward a more just and sustainable future, addressing the urgent challenges of our time with integrated and adaptive strategies.

Author Biographies

Rodrigo Franklin Frogeri, University Center of Southern Minas Gerais - UNISMG | Universidad Científica Del Sur (Peru) | Federal Center for Technological Education - CEFET-MG (Varginha)

FAPEMIG/CNPq Productivity Fellow (2024). Ph.D. in Information Systems and Knowledge Management (2019). Master’s in Business Administration and Management (2014). Specialist in Information Technology Management (2009). Specialist in Higher Education Teaching (2005). Specialist in Computer Networks (2003). Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (2001). Federal employee at the Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG). Full Professor in the Graduate Program in Management and Regional Development at Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas (UNIS-MG, Varginha, Brazil). Visiting Professor in the Master’s in Data Science program at Universidad Científica del Sur (Lima, Peru) and Visiting Researcher at Centro Universitário Integrado, Paraná, Brazil. Leader of CNPq Research Groups: GPGDER – Research Group on Management and Regional Economic Development, and GEADO – Study Group on Ambidextrous Organizational Dynamics. Currently, he teaches in the MBA programs in Big Data and Competitive Intelligence and in Strategic Information Technology Management, as well as in the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program at UNIS-MG. At Universidad Científica del Sur (Peru), he teaches in the lato sensu postgraduate program in Data Science and the postgraduate program in Applied Artificial Intelligence. Since early 2024, he has been the Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Mythos (ISSN: 1984-0098). His primary research interests include Organizational Ambidexterity, IT Ambidexterity, Information Technology Governance in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Artificial Intelligence Applied to Scientific Research, Knowledge Diplomacy, Knowledge Management, and Methodologies and Technologies for Distance Education.

Pedro dos Santos Portugal Júnior, Federal Institute of Southern Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS) - Carmo de Minas Campus

Postdoctoral Fellow of the Postdoctoral Researcher Program (PPPD) of the Institute of Economics of the University of Campinas (UNICAMP). PhD (2016) and Master's (2012) in Economic Development from the Institute of Economics at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP). Full-time professor at the Federal Institute of Southern Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS) - Carmo de Minas Campus.

References

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