Applied Research: Turning knowledge into action Research and Development (R&D) stands as the lifeblood of innovation and progress within organisations, serving as a cornerstone for sustainable growth and competitiveness. In an ever-evolving global landscape, the significance of R&D cannot be overstated. It not only fuels the creation of cutting-edge products, services, and technologies but also empowers organisations to adapt and thrive in dynamic markets. R&D initiatives drive forward-thinking strategies, enabling companies to anticipate customer demands, stay ahead of industry trends, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. By investing in R&D, organisations unlock new opportunities, enhance their problem-solving capabilities, and bolster their capacity to address emerging challenges. Ultimately, R&D is the engine that propels organisations toward excellence, helping them remain agile, innovative, and relevant in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
Research education through involvement and practice Combining research with education is essential as it helps bridging the gap between theory and practice. It enriches learning experiences, equipping students with practical skills and a deeper understanding of real-world scenarios. This synergy fosters innovation, prepares future professionals and researchers, and contributes to the advancement of society through knowledge dissemination and problem-solving. The integration of research with education also enriches the research itself. Students, as active participants in research endeavours, bring fresh and challenging perspectives, enthusiasm, and curiosity to the table. Their involvement fosters collaboration, encourages critical thinking, and often leads to novel insights and solutions. In this symbiotic relationship, students contribute positively to research by infusing it with energy, creativity, and a drive to explore new frontiers, ultimately enhancing the overall quality and relevance of academic inquiry.
Synopsis of our Collaborative Applied Research process: Collaborative applied research is a dynamic process (working closely with field actors such as NGOs or businesses) that requires to follow a process that cooperates academic expertise with practical insights, and effective communication to generate meaningful insights and practical solutions.
- Defining the research goals and objectives: Clearly defining the research goals and objectives in consultation with the field actors. Ensuring that the objectives align with the needs and interests of all parties.
- Establish a collaborative team: Forming a multidisciplinary team consisting of researchers, field actors, and other relevant stakeholders. Each member bringing unique expertise and perspectives to the research.
- Literature Review and Problem Definition: Conducting a comprehensive literature review and a field-actor insight review to understand the existing knowledge and best practices related to the research problem. Refining the research problem, identify gaps, and building a main question.
- Research Design and Methodology: Collaboratively developing a research design and methodology that suits the specific needs of the project. Determining the data collection methods, tools, field-work, and analytical techniques to be used.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting data in the field, incorporating input and feedback from field actors. Collaborating closely throughout this phase and mediating the dialogues to ensure data quality and relevance. Analysing the data using both academic rigour and practical insights.
- Interpretation and Recommendations: Working together to interpret the research findings, drawing on the expertise of both researchers and field actors. Identifying practical recommendations and strategies to address the research problem.
- Report and Documentation: Preparing a comprehensive research report that includes not only academic insights but also practical recommendations and action plans. Ensuring the report is accessible to both academic and field actor audiences.
- Feedback and Validation: Sharing the research findings with field actors and seeking their feedback and validation. Making necessary adjustments based on their input.
- Implementation and Monitoring: Collaborating on the implementation of recommended strategies or solutions. Continuously monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of these actions.
- Dissemination and Knowledge Sharing: Sharing the research outcomes through various channels, such as conferences, publications, workshops, webinars, and social media content to disseminate knowledge and promote best practices.
- Long-term Collaboration and Learning: Fostering an ongoing collaborative relationship with field actors, encouraging continuous learning and adaptation based on the research outcomes and real-world experiences.
