"Real impact": Challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between research and practice - Making a difference in industry, policy, and society

Yogesh K. Dwivedi, Anand Jeyaraj, Laurie Hughes, Gareth H. Davies, Manju Ahuja, Mousa Ahmed Albashrawi, Adil S. Al-Busaidi, Salah A. Al-Sharhan, Khalid Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Levent Altinay, Shem Amalaya, Sunil Archak, María Teresa Ballestar, Shonil A. Bhagwat, Anandhi Bharadwaj, Amit Bhushan, Indranil Bose, Pawan Budhwar, Deborah Bunker, Alexandru Capatina et al. (70 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Highlights•Academics and practitioners are unique groups with distinct interests and methodologies.•There is a significant disconnect between academia's theoretical focus and practitioners' need for immediate solutions.•Bridging the gap requires collaborative partnerships and co-creation of knowledge.•The 4D Model (Design, Deliver, Disseminate, Demonstrate) can align academic research with practice.•Maximizing impact requires academia's inclusive communication and practitioners’ active research participation.