Mapping the societal impact of SSH: A literature review

The scientific and political agenda for the societal impact of social science and humanities (SSH) is not easily summed up. SSH is a heterogeneous field that consists of researchers with different motives, practices, and research styles working with different sectors in society. Currently, there is no agreement on what is the best definition or the superior methodology for assessing impact and knowledge exchange activities in SSH. Rather, several more or less overlapping frameworks for understanding, mapping, and evaluating SSH research impact compete for pole position. The impact agenda in SSH spans over several different literatures and institutions discussing various aspects of the societal relevance and uptake of research. As such, the literature on impact assessment and impact-stimulating initiatives is characterized by wide semantic diversification, including the often overlapping or synonymous use of concepts such as knowledge brokering, dissemination, co-creation, research partnerships, external engagements, research outcomes, uptake, mobilization and impact. To create a better overview of the diverging literature, this paper aims to map both the scientific and political literature regarding the relevance, impact and uptake of SSH knowledge in society order to create a more substantial understanding of the current policy and academic agenda surrounding SSH. The paper addresses the following questions: How can we understand the societal relevance e.g. broader impact, social impact or public value of SSH research, and how might we meaningfully measure it? These questions are addressed through a systematic review of the current Scientific literature combined with a survey of reports and policy papers from European research institutions.