Theorization and industry-based research project development: Bridging the industry–academia research gap

Abstract

Sustainably bridging the industry–academia research gap is an ongoing concern within the wider effort to successfully unlock the full potential of both sectors. In this context, the authors present a research perspective on and an explicit articulation of the manner in which academic research could focus on theorization. They discuss how this focus could be instrumental in developing industry-based academic research projects. ‘Theorization’, in this context, refers to the contribution to existing theories and/or the development of a new theory, aiming to nurture the theorization process, in a way that could substantially contribute to industry’s needs and help to bridge the industry–academia research gap.