REVALORISE+ Synthesis Report: what to expect?
The Synthesis report shows the learnings from various research activities such as the analysis of the literature on valorisation in the Social Science and Humanities (SSH) research; the learnings from a quantitative survey – distributed amongst various valorisation actors, and in-depth interviews with researchers, Knowledge Transfer professionals and other important stakeholders in the field of valorisation. We shed light on various pathways to stimulate entrepreneurial skills and grow market knowledge of a new generation of entrepreneurial and socially engaged researchers. Additionally, we show ways to professionalise SSH-related valorisation activities by training Knowledge Transfer and Technology Transfer staff with a specific focus on the Social Sciences and Humanities.
Focusing on researchers and Knowledge Transfer professionals
The Synthesis report highlights opportunities to increase the valorisation of Social Science and Humanities research projects and shows various ways to enhance social, economic, or political impact within SSH-research. Looking at a variety of topics, the report addresses the valorisation skills gaps of Social Sciences and Humanities researchers and Knowledge Transfer and Technology Transfer professionals – who generally act as the first point of contact for research valorisation. Roles and responsibilities are sometimes a rather ‘grey area’, as it is not always clear which actor is responsible for which aspects of valorisation or how stakeholders can help each other. For this reason, we also explored mechanisms within universities and opportunities: which factors support which processes or maybe there are even inhibiting factors that are a barrier to valorisation happening?
Reshaping academic mindsets
Valorisation of Social Science and Humanities research is not a theme that universities deal with daily, as the findings show. This can be related to a rather traditional academic focus in these fields, where often-called entrepreneurial projects are seen as an extra task, not as a core responsibility of academic roles. Valorisation activities are mostly stimulated by a personal, intrinsic motivation to create societal impact, not because it is stimulated by the universities. Since there seems to be a mismatch between professional goals and expectations on the one hand and personal motivations on the other, reshaping academic attitudes and mindsets seems therefore highly important.
We see many opportunities for the academic environment to bring research of the Social Sciences and Humanities to society, by developing supportive mechanisms and offering specialized training programmes. Curious about the lessons learned? Read the full report for more insights.
