The embedded scholar is about the blending of academic theory and research methods, applied to practical situations in a way that cultivates organizational success. Consequently, this approach could begin to blur some of the lines between theory development and theory application.
Boyer (1997) posited, “we need scholars who not only skillfully explore the frontiers of knowledge, but also integrate ideas, connect thought into action, and inspire students” (p. 77). For instance, Smith, Collins, and Hannah (2006) used action research to test the idea of embedding a discovery entrepreneurship program into a University setting. The process involved engaging local entrepreneurs to engage simultaneously with students and scholars from several universities during the learning process. The intent of the program was to cultivate a practical and experiential learning environment for all participants.
These authors experimented with the idea of bringing entrepreneurs into the academic arena as a way to connect thought and action. However, this still seems to place academe apart from industry in spite of some opportunities for students to interact in some aspect of the entrepreneurial process. What would the implications be for corporations, nonprofits, or government that intentionally embedded scholars among their ranks? How might this help organizational executives to synthesize academic theory into their decision-making process and operational processes? How might this type of arrangement change the way research is performed, or the perspective that the embedded scholar has on their subject of study?
To these ends, it seems reasonable to suggest that an embedded scholar might be in a position to bring the academy to industry (and vice versa) - facilitating collaboration that could close the gap between theory and praxis.
References
Boyer, E. L. (1997). Scholarship reconsidered. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
Smith, A.J., Collins, L.A., & Hannon, P. D. (2006). Embedding new entrepreneurship programmes in UK higher education institutions :Challenges and considerations. Education & Training, 48(8/9), 555 567. doi: 1168365501