Abstract
A transformative innovation approach implies that it is necessary to move from a focus on “system interaction” towards “system transformation”. In this poster we present a conceptual approach for how the research system can achieve those aims by “building bridges” or nexus relations between science and technology and the social and environmental pillars of sustainable development. This proposition is put to the test empirically through a study of the Mexican research system using methods from bibliometrics and social network analysis. Our results can help to provide a diagnostic of how research systems are approaching SDGs and where potential exists for transformative research.