Building Innovation and Sustainability in Programs of Research

Abstract

Purpose: Innovation and sustainability are two important concepts of impactful programs of research. While at first glance these concepts and approaches may seem at odds, they are synergistic. Approach: We examine the social, political, and policy context as it relates to innovation and sustainability. We present an exemplar of a program of research and discuss factors to consider in developing innovative and sustainable programs of research. Conclusions: Innovation is an important component of sustainable programs of research. Understanding the social and political context and addressing relevant policy issues are factors to be considered in both innovation and sustainability. Clinical Relevance: Innovation and sustainability, important components of research, are also central to clinical practice. Open communication between researchers and clinicians can support the acceleration of innovations and the integration of evidence-based findings in practice.Building a program of research is a hallmark of a successful academic career. Importantly, a program of research represents persistence in advancing knowledge, and in the case of nurse researchers, for the purpose of promoting and improving health. Innovation and sustainability are two important components of impactful programs of research. While at first glance these concepts and approaches may seem at odds, they are in fact synergistic. In this article, we discuss the concepts of innovation and sustainability and examine the social, political, and policy context as they relate to programs of research. We present a program of research as an exemplar and discuss factors to consider in developing innovative and sustainable programs of research.

After the global pandemic: Nurses moving forward to improve world health

“…This issue (55:4) has two very interesting commentaries that address the future of nursing in a postpandemic world. Please see the interview “Emerging from the pandemic: Global nursing priorities for the future with Carey McCarthy” (McCarthy, 2023) and the commentary “Addressing polarization in nursing: A call to action” by Villarruel and Gennaro (2023).…”