Abstract
The author has previously in a social system theoretical perspective
outlined a position for engaged scholarship in bridging the gulf between
theorizing and practice. Partaking as “midwives” for shared semantics
in a polycentric network was analyzed as one role for engaged scholars
to assist. This paper, however, argues that for a shared semantic
reservoir for “next era” leadership and management to form, one more
layer of reflection is needed: how to manage “backwards” from the
future. The paper also addresses geographic inclusion/exclusion, which
seems to be reinforced as digitalization and abstract knowledge are
gaining ground, even though bits and abstract knowledge should easily be
detached from spatial limitations. Research programs targeting “grand
challenges” and “grand solutions” is defined by megaprojects defined and
financed by large foundations or other large-scale actors, and
well-connected international research centers and research networks are
needed to influence this agenda-setting. The paper argues that forming
regional polycentric networks (including scientific research scholars)
may to a greater extend bridge the global agendas with local and
regional issues to not be excluded in a transition process.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
---|---|
Tidsskrift | Systemic Practice and Action Research |
Vol/bind | 37 |
Udgave nummer | 3 |
Sider (fra-til) | 297-307 |
Antal sider | 11 |
ISSN | 1094-429X |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - jun. 2024 |
Emneord
- Engaged scholarship
- Geographic inclusion/exclusion
- Manage backwards from the future
- Rigor-relevance gap
- Shared semantics and polycentric networks
- Social systems theory