In order to boost the impact of scientific production on society, research projects should consider practical results in their activities. Today, most studies have an academic focus, such as publishing articles in scientific journals or producing teaching materials. In addition, researchers should prioritize alternative ways of producing knowledge, incorporating political and social aspects, for example, into the planning of their projects. Institutions should also guide scientists and create conditions for the development and dissemination of research aimed at solving real challenges. These factors can increase the impact of science on organizations, public policies and social dimensions, allowing scientific output to contribute to society’s demands.

These are some of the conclusions of a paper by FGV EAESP researchers Thomaz Wood Junior and Adriana Wilner, published in the Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration Journal. To develop and test a model for assessing the impact of scientific production, the authors analyzed 23 Brazilian research projects supported by the Brazilian government’s international academic development program, CAPES-PRINT, carried out between March and December 2021. They held individual interviews with those responsible for the projects, allowing them to create tables classifying the academic and practical impact of each one.

According to the study, most of the projects had a scientific focus and generated impacts within academia. On the other hand, practical impacts – on organizations, public policies or society – were scarce or absent in most cases. These results indicate that the traditional way of producing knowledge, restricted to the academic sphere, is still predominant. In addition, academia is still isolated from the rest of society, interacting little with companies and government officials, and this restricts the reach and practical influence of research.

Institutions can change the situation and strengthen scientific production’s practical impact

The authors point out that this lack of practical focus is largely due to research institutions and funding agencies, which encourage the publication of new articles more than interaction with society. According to the article, as well as encouraging new models of knowledge production geared toward practice, it is necessary to create new ways of assessing impact, using indicators that make it possible to measure the social effect of research. For example, funding bodies could request structured research proposals that list activities, products, results and impacts. Institutions should also encourage the dissemination of research aimed at practical applications, as well as the mobilization of external actors to boost social impacts.

According to the researchers, most projects have the potential to incorporate practical impacts. They cite studies in the sample that have been used in the drafting of laws and policies, and in organizational management. The authors’ evaluation proposal could stimulate the use of science to solve complex problems and challenges facing society in different areas of knowledge.

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