Call for Papers - Quick!
I just read the call for papers for a major upcoming research event - and took a deep breath.
The organisers are looking for submissions relating to... a future that is faster, automated, illuminating. With real-time impact. And that shows innovation. Forecasting is great too.
Wow.
Excited? Breathless? Or actually the opposite?
Bridging Gaps
My sense is this type of agenda contrasts big-time with the aspirations of tomorrow's researchers.
What they are looking for - amongst other things: a better work-life balance, flat structures, bosses as mentors, and yes, a 4 day week.
And indeed researchers in general - post-covid things have changed, with many more re-priotiritising, taking personal interests and family more seriously, managing downtime better.
So the two views are miles apart. What's going on?
Human Futures
The conference wording sounds like a tech-driven narrative - is that where the "research and analytics industry" is heading, I wonder?
Tech companies, small and larger, often have deep-pockets, but I'd say a marginal real interest in the future of market research.
So for agenda-setting folk - listening up is critical, and avoiding overused concepts and language that sound dated, out-of-touch.
Isn't it time to re-wind a bit - and also avoid hollow-sounding, fast-forward narratives?
What about: slow down. Allocate some time for reflectiveness. Talk about things like the replication crisis and how it impacts social sciences. Or data fusion. Or more topical issues like navigating downturns. There's lots.
Research isn't emplyoying robots... yet.
Curious, as ever, as to others' thoughts.
Photo by Andy Beales on Unsplash