Research in Crisis: Blueprint to Overhaul the Broken Knowledge Factory

The book explores the weak explanatory and predictive power of theories across disciplines, explains the reasons for limited expertise after centuries of scientific effort, and sets forth strategies to accelerate knowledge and manage a future we can only dimly comprehend. It argues that weak research comes with a huge opportunity cost and that research needs restructuring to foster applied research with real-world impact. The author cautions that this process would be disruptive, unpopular, and painful.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into the limited explanatory and predictive power of theories across various disciplines, shedding light on the underlying reasons behind the persistent lack of expertise despite centuries of dedicated scientific efforts. It presents strategies to accelerate knowledge acquisition and navigate a future that remains largely enigmatic. Gaps in knowledge emerge due to the fundamental complexity of common, natural, and artificial phenomena, leading to the persistence of expertise. This book argues that weak research carries a significant opportunity cost, as it hinders optimal decision-making by governments, corporations, and individuals. It advocates for a restructuring of the research landscape, urging governments to mandate funding bodies to prioritize applied research with real-world impact and universities to exert pressure on scientific publishers to enhance the integrity of their publications. Furthermore, this book aims to catalyze the extinction of theories in most disciplines, clearing the way for resolving multiple crises in research. However, the author cautions that this process will be disruptive, unpopular, and painful.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367523985