I had the privilege of working with thousands of researchers, innovators, investors, and other stakeholders while leading innovation development programs in government and establishing innovation centers, incubators, technoparks, venture funds, and other transformative initiatives. These efforts were relatively straightforward when I could handpick the most motivated researchers from a wide range of universities and support them by providing enhanced knowledge, skills, infrastructure, funding opportunities, avenues for collaboration, event facilitation, and mechanisms for scaling their projects.
However, my subsequent experiences in academia, both in my home country and later in the United States and Europe, revealed a different reality. Research processes were often less intensive and multifaceted, particularly in the soft sciences. In many cases, research outcomes were confined to academic publications in niche journals, with limited broader societal impact. To address pressing global challenges and achieve outcomes such as driving social change, shaping policy, commercializing innovations, influencing mindsets, advancing sustainability, improving well-being, or leaving a lasting legacy, we must rethink our approach to research. This requires adopting innovative strategies and tools designed to amplify the impact of research.
In my books and publicaitons, incluyding “Research Acceleration”, I aim to systematize a range of methodologies for accelerating the research process. Many of these approaches have been validated through practical application in my work, including launching and supervising the Innovation Management Academy, crafting government innovation policies, developing infrastructure for innovation, facilitating access to funding, fostering global collaboration, and leading research projects and international initiatives. More recently, I have developed and hosted research accelerator events at universities, equipping early and mid-career researchers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to expedite their research processes and develop projects ready for immediate launch.
I find it deeply concerning that researchers often receive critical feedback for the first time only after submitting their papers to journals—when it is often too late to meaningfully revise their ideas, research design, methodology, or data analysis. This reactive process frequently leads to responses aimed at satisfying reviewers rather than improving the research itself. Feedback, critique, and suggestions should be provided at the idea stage, where they can have the greatest impact. To address this, I developed the “Idea Crush Test” format, allowing researchers and innovators to receive constructive criticism during the earliest stages of project development. Having organized more than 50 Idea Crush Tests, I am convinced this approach is essential for accelerating the research process.
Another major challenge lies in the traditional structure of academic events. Drawing from my experience organizing over 300 events, I’ve seen their potential for launching projects, fostering collaboration, and attracting resources. However, academic conferences often fall short, remaining uninspiring and ineffective. Researchers typically attend to deliver brief presentations, answer a few questions, or compete for best paper awards. To truly accelerate research, events must transcend these conventions by incorporating strategic brainstorming sessions, idea crush tests, interactive workshops, multidisciplinary meetings, project-matching activities, creative presentation formats, commercialization reactors, hackathons, debates, and other dynamic elements. I have always been inspired by stories of groundbreaking scientific discoveries that emerged from both formal and informal academic discussions. Yet, in the hundreds of conferences I’ve attended, opportunities to break away from repetitive, standardized formats have been rare. These missed opportunities highlight the pressing need for more engaging, collaborative, and innovative approaches to research events.
In a world where global challenges demand urgent solutions, traditional academic research often struggles to deliver timely and impactful outcomes. Research Acceleration: Strategies and Tools for Impactful Academia provides a comprehensive framework for transforming the research process, empowering individuals, institutions, and stakeholders to achieve greater efficiency, relevance, and societal impact.
Drawing on over two decades of experience in innovation development, policymaking, international organizations, and academia, the author presents actionable insights and proven strategies for accelerating research. From generating transformative ideas to disseminating findings that influence policy, drive innovation, and foster sustainable change, this book emphasizes the critical need for research acceleration, particularly in fields such as management, tourism, hospitality, and the social sciences.
Research Acceleration delves into key areas, including:
- The importance of accelerating research
- Strategies for embedding research acceleration into institutional frameworks
- Practical tactics to streamline and enhance the research process
- Cutting-edge approaches to disseminating and promoting research
- Proven formats for research events and activities
- The role of global collaborations and stakeholder engagement
- Translating research into broader societal and industry impacts
The author introduces innovative methodologies such as research idea crash tests, research acceleration events, commercialization reactors, and more, specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and real-world applications. Whether you are an academic, administrator, policymaker, or industry professional, this book equips you with the tools and knowledge needed to accelerate research and achieve transformative outcomes.
Packed with case studies, best practices, and examples of research acceleration initiatives, Research Acceleration is both a call to action and a practical guide for creating a dynamic research ecosystem that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and progress.