Bringing in innovation in the field of research is peculiar to the very existence of a research infrastructure. Therefore, developers regularly reflect on the innovation that they envision and this was also being done recently by the RESILIENCE team.
Rudy Demo, involved in both RESILIENCE and ITSERR, took the attendants of the in person RESILIENCE meeting earlier this month into the field of innovation and shared some fundamentals. Demo:”First, there is no uniform definition of innovation. In general, one could say that innovation refers to the introduction of something new — a method, idea, or device — that brings about significant improvement or value.” In the humanist sciences, innovation may not only be about new technologies but also about new interpretations, methodologies, or theoretical frameworks. This contrasts with fields like engineering or medicine, where innovation is often tied to technological advancements. Innovation’s perception can vary greatly among researchers.
Those engaged in digital humanities may view innovation through the lens of technological tools and data analysis methods. In contrast, traditional humanists might see innovation in new interpretative approaches or theoretical insights. Personal experience, familiarity with technology, and disciplinary norms all shape how researchers perceive and value innovation.
It’s essential for progress across all fields, driving growth and facilitating solutions to complex problems. While invention is the creation of something entirely new, innovation often involves improving or applying existing ideas in novel ways. I introduce this notion of ‘game changer’. When a new tool, resource, method, or expert profoundly impacts a researcher’s work at least on medium term, it can indeed be considered an innovation. These ‘game changers’ can open up new avenues of inquiry, streamline processes, or offer fresh perspectives that significantly advance the field. Recognizing these contributions as innovations highlights the dynamic nature of research and the importance of adaptability.
Bridging the gap between innovation and researchers is crucial for advancing knowledge and this can be done throug Making innovative tools and resources available to researchers regardless of their background and through Developing platforms and systems that support the integration of new technologies in research. Encouraging researchers to engage in lifelong learning to keep up with advancements is also a strategy for bridging the gap, as well as establishing communities or networks where researchers can share experiences and knowledge.”
“By filling this gap”, so Rudy Demo, “we empower researchers to leverage innovation effectively, enhancing the quality and impact of their work.”