This booklet, which provides the perspective of modern researchers, discusses why it is important to think beyond academic publication.

 Over the years, the academic approach to teaching in order was fixed. University or academic institutions were the focus of the researcher's studies, dissertations, journal papers, qualifications and careers. The criteria for success were citations, institutional recognition and scholarly reputation.

However, things have shifted in the world.

In today's day and age, knowledge is not a matter of the classroom, library or academic conference. The Internet has changed the way knowledge is used, passed along and appreciated. The pace of industry has outstripped the rate of academic institutions and organizations are already looking for people who can have a research mind, communicate and help in the field.

The change has ushered in a whole new field of research.

The dissertation isn't merely an academic paper. It's a professional asset that can create visibility, authority and opportunity all over the world. Unfortunately, many researchers cannot realize how much power may lie in their own work in the long-term.

Research that lasts several years often goes without results.

Often, after a researcher has spent huge amounts of time gathering data, problem solving and formulating original ideas, the results are left in institutional archives where it is likely that they will not be used by anyone but the researcher who created them. There's no need to worry about valuable knowledge going unseen when it's not important, but rather when it is not made visible.

That's where modern scientists need to be different.

Academic contribution is not the only aspect of research today. It is also a matter of thinking positions.

Each dissertation is a testimony to something great:

Subject expertise

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving ability

Discipline and persistence

Research credibility

These attributes are useful in any context – in business, leadership, consulting, education, policy and governance, media and in the industries of innovation.

The problem is, it's hard to see.

With the current digital environment, users rely on visual knowledge. It is easier for the idea to be recognized proactively by wider audiences through public research than by equally capable, but less open individuals who stay behind the academic walls.

Researchers can create their own audiences and intellectual capital on social platforms like LinkedIn, Substack, ResearchGate and Google Scholar.

This is one of the most characteristic transformations of this modern times:

Butterflies no longer all depend on the institutions for recognition.

Researchers can now, of course, produce their own visibility.

A dissertation can be the hub for a full-fledged content system. Every research project can yield:

Articles

Videos

Industry insights

Public talks

Books

Podcasts

Workshops

Professional training programs

Researchers don't have to publish, then move on and forget, but can keep building upon the impact of their ideas.

The other reality is that today's audiences like it easy rather than complicated. In academic writing, there is a tendency to focus more on the technical aspects and correctness of the work, whereas public readers are more interested in comprehending the applicability of the research in real-life situations. Those who can do so will have a real edge in research.

Clear and concise explanations of complex concepts are a new way of influencing.

Those who merge research and communication experience, can get to become ideas leaders in their respective fields. They define the discussion, drive decisions and bring in career opportunities outside of the classroom.

This is especially crucial in the competitive business environment of today. It is no longer enough to have just a degree to be distinguished. The growing divide between professionals is the visibility, positioning and showcasing of their expertise for public viewing.

This builds credibility over time by publishing strategically.

If the visibility is consistent, then it will create momentum for the professionals over time. Researchers can get invited to consult, get on TV, write articles, engage in partnerships, be invited to speak to the public, to teach, or to take on leadership roles. A dissertation can progress to a whole professional persona.

It is the knowledge and understanding of those who know that the future of research is in shared knowledge.

Those researchers who remain invisible, may have expertise, but scientists who communicate well make influence.

A dissertation should never be thought of as a piece of work for academic purposes only. It should be acknowledged as the start of a grand series of thought processes in a grand way — one that can make a difference outside of the university.

An knowledge is not enough rewarded in the modern world.

It celebrates learned knowledge that is apparent.

Read More