Researchers and Practitioners Learn Together in a Process of Joint Knowledge Creation

• In 1997 a new university law imposed Swedish universities a third mission. In addition to research and teaching, universities now have to “collaborate with the surrounding society”.This new law was quite indistinct which raises questions about how, how much and in what way the co-operation between university and society should be performed. What obstacles and possibilities are there for real deep cooperation between such different cultures as the academic sector, the commercial private sector and the political public sector?In our paper we reflect upon the collaboration between research and practice from two different processes where we have been involved as action researchers. Both these processes were aimed to bridge the gap between the academic world and the industry and public sector. We reflect upon our role as researchers in relation to the role of the practitioners. What were our different incentives and expectations when entering a joint learning process? What did we learn and what different knowledge was there to serve our different needs?We discuss the two cases by highlighting the research methods, where researchers and practitioners in joint action take part in development processes, and how these processes both contribute theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge to as well academy as working life. But we also discuss the difficulties in handling the role as action researcher and the problems faced when people from different cultures and with different expectations act together. 

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Arbetslivsstudier (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Work Sciences (hsv//eng)

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