Intellectual Capital: The necessity of researcher ownership.

Perhaps the most overlooked form of intellectual capital is that derived from research.

Every year, countless dissertations packed with original thought, new methods and valuable findings are completed at universities all over the globe. But, too often, these ideas remain inside institutional archives and outside the companies, organizations and public who can and could benefit.

In a world where expert knowledge is influence; where organizations seek thought leaders who can solve problems, foster innovation and provide guidance on strategy, researchers already possess many of the keys; but they don't always see them as instruments of professional power.

The dissertation signifies more than simply an academic accomplishment. It is a sign of persistence, analytical reasoning, knowledge of a subject area and intellectual commitment and thus commands both academic and professional credibility.

The problem isn't the knowledge, but the lack of exposure of it.

Traditional academic culture rewards scholarship over outward communication. Students learn to write a dissertation from a scholastic point of view, but seldom are taught how to transform that research into authority and opportunity.

To realize it, modern researchers must change completely the way they think about it.

Research should be seen not as a temporary project for university use only but as an investment for intellectual capital. Once researchers recognize this fact they must begin thinking about publishing and making their expertise public more strategically.

Publishing turns private into public knowledge.

When research becomes visible it can influence debates; shape entire industries; support public policy decisions; and ultimately elevate researchers to a respected, authoritative voice. Many avenues currently exist for researchers to share their knowledge beyond journals: books, blogs, webinars, podcasts, courses and even through the dissemination of other types of digital content.

The style and way of communication of the research are critical too.

Academic research typically aims for precision and is quite technical. Wider audiences require clarity, readability and relevance to their daily concerns. Those researchers that are capable of breaking down complex ideas without diluting their intellectual value have a higher probability of being widely and powerfully received.

Today’s world is a digital one and it is largely due to the ease that researchers are now able to access the networks. Platforms like LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and personal websites have made it incredibly simple to create a public identity. Researchers are no longer constrained by geographical boundaries and academic hierarchies. Visibility opens up the opportunity to reach an audience far beyond the traditional university walls.

Building a public profile through continuous sharing, engagement with professional networks and participation in events will result in recognition as a trusted authority within a field. Visibility equals recognition; and recognition equals opportunity.

Most importantly, the importance of ownership must be embraced.

It is those researchers who learn to take ownership of their knowledge who will gain access to invitations to speak at conferences; consulting opportunities; research collaborations; training; and the attention of the media, creating value across organizations and disciplines.

But many scholars continue to sell themselves short, others hesitate to make their research public for fear of negative reaction and yet others believe their sheer expertise will eventually speak for itself. Neither is the case; if your work is to become valuable you must first make it public.

The scholar of tomorrow will no longer just generate knowledge – they will take possession, disseminate and harness it, changing the conversation around its subject and, beyond that, the world.

The dissertation represents more than a requirement.

It is the launching pad for intellectual authority in our digital age.

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