Finding Gold in the Academic Research Mine: Why Only 1% of Academic Marketing Research Seems Relevant
September 13, 2024
Imagine sifting through a massive mountain of sand just to find a few precious nuggets of gold. That's what it can feel like for businesses trying to leverage academic marketing research. Surprisingly, only about 1% of all academic marketing research is truly relevant and actionable for businesses. But why is this the case?
The Academic-Business Divide The gap between academic research and business practice is wider than we'd like, and several factors contribute to this disconnect:
Different Goals: Academics often focus on theoretical advancements and expanding knowledge within their field. In contrast, businesses are looking for practical, actionable insights that can drive immediate results.
Time Lag: Academic research can take years to complete and publish. By the time findings are available, market trends may have shifted, making the research seem outdated.
Complex Language: Academic papers are usually written for other scholars, filled with jargon and complex theories that can be difficult for practitioners to digest.
A study by Stäbler & Haenlein (2024) emphasizes that academic marketing research often fails to reach practitioners effectively. Marketing managers may not engage deeply with academic journals due to a perceived lack of relevance or accessibility in their everyday work.
Why This Matters to Your Business Understanding why so little academic research seems relevant is the first step in bridging the gap. Recognizing these challenges allows businesses to:
Adjust Expectations: Knowing that not all research will be directly applicable helps in focusing efforts on finding the most relevant studies.
Seek Translators: Consider working with professionals or platforms that specialize in interpreting academic research for business use.
Advocate for Change: Businesses can encourage academics to focus more on practical applications and clearer communication.
Looking Ahead While the disconnect is significant, it's not insurmountable. In our next blog post, we'll delve into why that valuable 1% is worth the effort and how it can transform your marketing strategies.
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