Making a Dif ference: The Epistemic Value of Collaborative Research in a Dataf ied Society

This chapter addresses the evolving role of academia amidst budget constraints and neoliberal policies, highlighting the growing need for its work to be more socially relevant, especially in the humanities. It argues that academia can actually benef it from moving beyond its institutional walls, engaging with diverse community and civil society stakeholders. Such collaboration enables universities to respond to pressing societal challenges. The chapter explores three primary motivations for increased academic engagement with societal sectors, identif ied by researchers and university administrators: vocational, educational, and societal impetus, and advocates for a fourth motivation: the epistemic impetus. Collabora-tive research allows researchers to gather evidence and generate insights to produce knowledge with communities and in context, enriching academic research and allowing interventions and the application of f indings.