Une significant part of the challenges faced by organizations today stem from technological changes built on scientific advances: statistical and symbolic algorithms for artificial intelligence, digital doubles, modeling of living organisms and social networks, cryptography for security, blockchain for secure interactions, molecular biology for medicine, quantum physics for the next generation of computers. The implementation of technological innovations and the induced transformations of society are sources of scientific questions. A virtuous circle is established when the search for solutions to the problems of society and the economy feeds back into technological and scientific research.
If these new forms of value production are relevant vis-à-vis the renewal injunctions imposed on companies and in the face of a dynamic societal context in which their customers and partners evolve, research nevertheless comes up against established models. Management style, project timelines, corporate culture are all internal factors that penalize the development of corporate research activities.
Even more significant, the lack of alignment of interests between the world of research and the capitalistic needs of a group, and the contrast between the way in which a researcher and a company manager express themselves asking for the creation of new cultures of cooperation, practices and common languages.
Multidisciplinary emulation
Research rightly claims its ability to deal with societal issues and is increasingly finding its place in the context of business projects. In the form of theses, exploratory work or various collaborations, initiatives are multiplying by including the knowledge of the organization hosting them. Multidisciplinary emulation reshapes both the way of producing research and innovation, and strengthens the link between scientific and operational ambitions. Research then facilitates the transfer of technology and the culmination of an applied reflection, via methods of valorization recognized both from an academic and industrial point of view.
Research is not an agent of agreement, nor even a problem solver, but rather a capacity to question, together with other actors, the presuppositions of an initial situation in order to propose alternatives. It reconciles the structuring depth of a research subject and business issues. It contributes to redefining the meaning of “needs” or “demands”, by highlighting the way in which technological innovation permanently modifies our practices and our potential. This osmosis and this dynamism are particularly important in a phase of profound and rapid transformation of society, the economy and businesses.
You have 28.66% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.