The innovation system needs contributions from all scientific disciplines
The theme for the Finnish Research Impact Foundation’s fifth operational year was to promote collaboration between research in the social sciences, humanities, and the arts and businesses.
The Foundation investigated the current state of industry collaboration within SHAPE disciplines and initiated discussions on their role within the innovation system.
SHAPE, an acronym for “Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy,” is a movement originating from the UK aimed at promoting the role of social sciences and humanities in innovation. It highlights the significance of these fields in driving societal and economic development.
SHAPE disciplines can play a significantly larger role in companies’ research and development (R&D). Successful innovations often stem from a diverse group of experts bringing new perspectives and creative solutions.
The UK has recently recognized the importance of social sciences in the research and innovation landscape. A recent report by Professor James Wilsdon (University College London) and colleagues underscores the vital yet often poorly understood role of social sciences in the UK’s current R&D system. The report outlines four themes through which social sciences can enhance the innovation system: 1) systemic thinking to help businesses understand the dynamics of innovation at a systemic level, 2) the development of evidence-based policy, 3) the creation of responsible and smart innovations with ethical and legal frameworks, and 4) the enhancement of international collaboration to address global challenges and strengthen national competitiveness.
Wilsdon argues that UK government policy has recently focused too narrowly on science and technology. He advocates for a shift to include social sciences in multidisciplinary R&D efforts. The adoption of innovations often requires interdisciplinary expertise, as they are not just about technology but also relate to aspects such as human behavior and political decision-making.
SHAPE cooperation can also be relevant for the development of intangible assets, such as brands, data, software, and intellectual capital. Intangible assets are crucial for economic value creation, but current understanding is incomplete. ETLA Economic Research is currently studying the creation, accumulation, and utilization of intangible assets. A multidisciplinary approach could bring new insights into their development, such as understanding sustainable consumer brands, ethical data use, and creative processes.
Wilsdon’s report prompts questions on how to practically advance multidisciplinary collaboration. Strategic changes are needed in both businesses and research organizations to integrate social sciences and also other SHAPE disciplines into innovation activities. Promoting collaboration is essential, but there are also obstacles to overcome.
The Foundation’s SHAPE report identified barriers such as lack of time and contacts, financial constraints, and lack of mutual understanding. Researchers mentioned the benefits of collaboration as increased research impact, expanded networks, and the generation of new research ideas. From the business perspective, collaboration with shape disciplines brings tangible benefits like developing new services, absorbing new knowledge, and enhancing skills.
To foster collaboration, it is crucial to allocate sufficient resources, promote networking, increase funding, and enhance mutual understanding between academic research and the business sector. Multidisciplinary collaboration would not only benefit researchers and businesses but also society as a whole, providing sustainable and humane solutions to future challenges.
Petro Poutanen, CEO
The Finnish Research Impact Foundation
