Summary
What is “impact” in the context of research? Should we strive for influencing product decisions or shifting organizational thinking? Is it measurable or qualitative? And what does it take to achieve it? Join our expert panel as they share their unique perspectives on defining and achieving research impact, offering illuminating examples from their own experiences. Don't miss this lively, thoughtful discussion that transcends traditional metrics and explores the profound ways in which research can make a lasting difference.
Key Insights
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Impact depends more on building relationships and organizational navigation than on pure research skill.
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Effective researchers integrate advocacy and storytelling as inseparable parts of their work.
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You can be an excellent researcher with zero impact, or a mediocre researcher with strong organizational influence.
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Organizational learning requires more than understanding; it demands application and behavior change, which takes years.
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Involving stakeholders early and collaboratively creates ownership and improves adoption of research insights.
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Research impact can be subtle, shifting organizational language and perspectives before concrete decisions emerge.
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In public sector research, realigning work to the social mission is essential because traditional measures may not reflect impact.
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Building trust and intimacy with clients or decision makers drives greater influence than mere data presentation.
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The best strategies start with a solid diagnosis of the real problem, which research can uniquely provide.
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Career growth for researchers is tied to developing influence, coalition-building, and broad communication skills beyond research techniques.
Notable Quotes
"I think you can't be good at research unless you're also good at getting that research across."
"You can be an amazing researcher and have zero impact, or be a bad researcher and have amazing impact."
"Impact often takes years; leadership might take three or four years to think and talk differently."
"Building relationships, building trust, it will always pay off."
"Work with people instead of apart from them. Let them be part of the process."
"Good research can really be the best thing for diagnosing the problem in strategy."
"Fall in love with the problem, not the solution—that's the secret sauce researchers bring."
"Sometimes it's not related to communication skills but to having a really good relationship with someone who's a decision maker."
"If you have research, truth establishes credibility; reliability and intimacy build trust."
"It's not a match-winning pass if no one catches it."
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