Unlocking Research Impact: Beyond the Technical Silo
Researchers are building rockets without launch pads, creating technical symphonies that risk never playing in the real-world marketplace of actual impact.
In the fast-paced world of research and innovation, it's easy to get tunnel vision. Researchers often spend their entire careers honing a specific set of technical skills and networks, laser-focused on their area of expertise. But here's the kicker: while technical prowess is crucial, it's only part of the equation when it comes to achieving real-world impact.
Think about it. You've got a brilliant technical solution, but what about the non-technical risks lurking in the shadows? These often-overlooked factors can make or break a project's success, yet they're rarely explored in parallel with technical development.
It's like building a rocket without considering the launch pad – you might have the most advanced spacecraft, but if you can't get it off the ground, what's the point?
The Hidden Dimensions of Research Impact
Here's the deal: the earlier we identify and understand these risks, the more efficiently we can allocate those precious research dollars.
And let's face it, not every project is going to be a money-maker, but every piece of research should create knowledge. The key is ensuring that this knowledge creation happens in areas critical to implementation. So, how do we broaden our horizons and capture these crucial non-technical elements? Here's a three-step approach to get you started:
Identify the Vital Dimensions: What's important to the viability of your technology, its economics, and potential customers? Boil it down to 2-3 word dimensions like "manufacturing," "market," or "legal".
Assess Current Knowledge: Where do you stand on these dimensions? Use a Likert Scale to weigh your understanding, from assumptions at the low end to crystal-clear knowledge at the high end.
Close the Gaps: Focus your research efforts on the dimensions where important information is lacking. Only do what is needed to give you the confidence to invest further.
Breaking Down Silos for Success
Now, if you're holding the purse strings as a funding body or industry partner, here's a pro tip: team up with the university's business development arm from the get-go.
They can help you tap into skills across the university that the technical researchers might not even know exist. We're talking business schools, law departments, psychology experts, and even industrial designers.
And for all you researchers out there, it's time to think beyond your lab. Who can you partner with to bring your solutions to life? Sure, it might mean sharing the grant pie, but it also increases the chances of industry partners seeing real value in your output. That means more industry partners return for future grant opportunities. Why? Because you'll be delivering something their entire organisation can rally behind.
Remember, in the world of research, impact is king. By broadening our perspective and embracing a more holistic approach, we can turn brilliant ideas into real-world game-changers. It's not just about what we know – it's about how we apply that knowledge to create meaningful change.