From research to practice: a strategic approach to bridging the implementation gap in sustainable mobility research in East Africa

Abstract

Bridging the gap between academic research and practical implementation remains a major challenge in the transition toward sustainable urban mobility—especially in rapidly growing cities of the Global South. This paper examines the applicability of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) and its ABCD planning process in supporting real-world action in four East African cities: Nairobi, Kigali, Dar es Salaam and Kisumu. Drawing on participatory co-creation workshops, stakeholder interviews, and city-level strategy development, the analysis explores how systemic thinking and strategic dialogue can help identify critical gaps in governance, infrastructure, and institutional trust. The findings reveal that while many mobility strategies are visionary, they often lack integrated implementation pathways. However, elements of the ABCD approach were evident in practice, demonstrating how structured, participatory methods can build consensus, align actions with sustainability principles, and enhance local ownership. The study suggests that more systematic integration of the FSSD framework in implementation-oriented projects could further bridge the research–practice divide. This paper contributes to the literature on method application and research-practice translation, offering lessons for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to navigate the complexity of sustainable mobility transitions in developing contexts.