“As soon as we have recognized that this is a systemic challenge (the gap between knowledge and action), we need systemic responses” Probably Michael Hauser addressed the most philosophical speech of all Tropentag 2014. Yet, his views on how to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice may be inspiring for the ones who think that changes at all levels can only be achieved if they start from oneself (any dreamers in the room besides me?). Dr. Hauser, director of the Centre for Development Research, at University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, is convinced that “transformative change” is the key to reduce the gap that is the central theme of Tropentag 2014. But, what is transformative change? According to Hauser, it starts with knowledge, that, similar to food, there is enough but access is unequal, therefore, in order to share that knowledge more evenly around the world, business as usual are not an option, and in order to do that, it is necessary to change the approach of science. But transformative change has to deal with a broader context. It actually involves a change in the underlying structure of the society, including not only capabilities but values and beliefs. Therefore, in order to achieve this, a change in our mindsets (therefore, a matter of ethics) should be the starting point. The most pragmatic-oriented people would say this concept is rather ethereal and difficult to understand, and that such transformative change will never be achieved. But as Dr. Hauser stated in his speech and confirmed in the interview, transformative change is the option to achieve a more sustainable way of living at personal, societal and global levels. UPDATE: You may watch the interview with Mr. Hauser below.