A conceptual model for university-society research collaboration facilitating societal impact for local innovation. Issue 4 (14th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olsson, Anna Karin; Bernhard, Iréne; Arvemo, Tobias; Lundh Snis, Ulrika
• Is Part Of: European journal of innovation management. Volume 24:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 1335
• Page End: 1353
• Publication Date: 2020-07-14
• Subjects: Work-integrated learning -- WIL -- University-society collaboration -- Societal impact -- Co-creation -- Innovation -- Engaged scholarship; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Europe -- Periodicals; Diffusion of innovations -- Periodicals; Research, Industrial -- Periodicals; 658.4062
• DOI: 10.1108/EJIM-04-2020-0159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1460-1060

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose is to develop a work-integrated learning (WIL) model for university-society research collaboration facilitating societal impact toward short lag yet sustainable societal impact for local innovation. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology applied was engaged scholarship based on a WIL approach involving a network of collaborating partners from different sectors of society and cross-disciplinary university researchers. Mixed data collection methods were applied. Findings: Conceptualization of university-society research collaboration for local innovation is presented as a WIL model including the elements of continuity and commitment, coordination, communication and relationships, trust, courage and creativity and co-creation opportunities. Short lag societal impact as local innovation was identified as product and process innovations. Research limitations/implications: Further validation of the model is encouraged for the model to be viable in various contexts and to generate different kinds of societal impact. Practical implications: The model may act as a governing tool for project management to facilitate co-creative and short lag societal impact for local innovation to ensure that engaged and learning activities are embedded in the collaborative process. Social implications: The model has implications for inclusiveness and co-creation fostering transparency, respect and mutuality in university-society research collaboration and to equate both academic and practice knowledge. Originality/value: The conclusions drawn support the understanding of a WIL approach practicing engaged scholarship in research collaborations. The main theoretical and practical contributions of the article are the conceptual model for university-society research collaboration generating short lag societal implications and local innovation.