The challenge of application

Abstract

Woods and Gardner (2011) open debate on the challenge of policy application by geographers. Their contribution begs extension to consider the shifting multi-scalar forces that condition the application of scholarship. These include both endogenous and exogenous influences. The former have evolved swiftly in recent decades with the rise of managerialism in the higher education sectors of western nations. Most recently the emergence and implementation of national research assessment frames has provided a powerful conditioning force around applied scholarship. The liberal view of the independent scholar is deeply problematised by these influences. The role of the contemporary public intellectual exposes these problems and bears more discussion than has been the case up to now.