Universities as agents of societal change: integrating open and community-engaged scholarship

What is it about?

In this work we examine the convergence of open scholarship (OS) and community-engaged scholarship (CES), and advocate for a cultural and policy shift in academia to prioritise the public good and inclusivity. Both movements challenge the traditional academic reward system that favours publication in prestigious journals over the tangible impact on societal issues. We argue for the importance of making academic knowledge openly accessible and engaging communities in research to address real-world problems. We shine a light on the digital era's role in facilitating open access to research, aiming to democratise academic knowledge. Open scholarship or open science encompasses open access publishing, open educational resources, and open data, which resonate with CES's goals of inclusivity and public engagement. Despite their aligned objectives, OS and CES have operated separately with limited collaboration. We call for greater synergy between these movements to enhance their visibility and impact. We urge academia to embrace more democratic and socially responsible practices, suggesting that policy changes are needed to support innovative scholarship forms. This reevaluation would recognise the value of research that directly benefits society by addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts between scholars and communities. We believe the paper presents a compelling case for integrating open and community-engaged scholarship in academic culture, emphasizing the role of universities as agents of societal change by leveraging their resources and expertise in partnership with global communities.

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Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work is significant as it highlights how the digital age offers unprecedented opportunities for sharing knowledge openly and engaging with a wider audience, including those outside the academic sphere. It is important because it urges the academic community to harness these opportunities to foster innovation, solve pressing global challenges, and contribute to societal well-being. The paper inspires a collective call to action for universities, researchers, and policymakers to redefine the value of academic work, encouraging practices that prioritise the public good and support the evolution of academia into a more inclusive, engaged, and socially responsible institution.

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