Accurment blog
Finding Gold in the Academic Research Mine: Why Only 1% of Academic Marketing Research Seems Relevant
September 13, 2024
Imagine digging through a massive mountain of sand, searching for just a few precious nuggets of gold. That’s what it often feels like for businesses trying to leverage academic marketing research. Shockingly, only about 1% of all academic marketing research is genuinely relevant and actionable for business use. But why is this the case?

The Academic-Business Divide
The gap between academic research and business practice remains significant, driven by several key factors:
  • Different Goals: Academics often pursue theoretical advancements and knowledge expansion within their fields. Meanwhile, businesses seek 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 By the time findings are available, market trends may have evolved, rendering the research outdated.
  • Complex Language: Academic papers are written for scholarly audiences, filled with jargon and theories that can be difficult for business practitioners to digest.
A study by Stäbler & Haenlein (2024) highlights that academic marketing research often fails to reach practitioners effectively. Marketing managers frequently overlook academic journals due to a perceived lack of relevance or accessibility to 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 helps businesses to:
  • Adjust Expectations: Not all research will be directly applicable. Knowing this helps focus your efforts on finding the most relevant studies.
  • Seek Translators: Collaborate with professionals or platforms, like Accurment, that specialize in transforming academic research into actionable insights.
  • Advocate for Change: Encourage academics to focus more on practical applications and clearer communication for broader business relevance.

Looking Ahead
The disconnect between academic research and practical application is significant but not insurmountable. In our next post, we’ll explore why that valuable 1% of research is worth the effort and how it can transform your marketing strategies.