Social Media for Research Impact

Marcel Bogers is Full Professor of Open and Collaborative Innovation at Eindhoven University of Technology and affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley. His research and teaching focus on innovation management in general and on open innovation and innovation ecosystems in particular, with a strong emphasis on creating real-world impact in industry and policy. He has been a long-time user of social media and has delivered many talks and workshops to help fellow academics use these tools to increase their visibility, build connections, and create impact. Marcel holds a Master’s degree in Technology and Society from Eindhoven University of Technology and a PhD in Management of Technology from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. As a hobby, and to stay fit, he likes long-distance running—an activity that, like creating impact through research, reminds him that the road to success often feels more like a marathon than a sprint. He lives in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, with his wife and three sons, though his years living abroad have given him many places that feel like home.Mike Young is the founder of the Mike Young Academy, which for over a decade has helped scholars increase their research visibility and supported universities in building networks for lasting impact. He has worked with researchers, research groups, and institutions across Europe to rethink how social media can be used to explore new ideas and foster collaboration. His workshops span a wide range—from low-effort daily routines to long-term influence strategies on platforms such as LinkedIn, X, and Bluesky. Mike holds a Master’s degree in the History of Ideas from Aarhus University. In his free time, he enjoys reading philosophy and history. He’s also an avid cross-country mountain biker—an activity that, like good dialogue on social media, often leads to unexpected places and people. He lives in Hillerød, Denmark, with his wife and their two children. His adult daughter lives nearby.

"A refreshingly reflective, research-informed guide that recognises that impact is about listening, ideating, and connecting, not just broadcasting research outputs. This book is a valuable companion for any academic navigating the evolving landscape of scholarly impact, offering practical advice while also grappling with the darker sides of social media." Ana Isabel Canhoto, University of Sussex, UK"Trying to figure out how to use social media for more than just expressing how honored you are to have published something? Want to reach other scholars with deeper insights and connect on ideas? If so, this book is for you.”Anita M. McGahan, George E. Connell Professor at the University of Toronto and former President of the Academy of Management"If you are interested in more than just ‘getting published’ in good journals and want your research to help trigger understanding and positive, impactful change in society, then the ideas and advice in this book will help you attain that agenda." Ian McCarthy, Simon Fraser University, Canada“Bogers and Young have developed an extremely helpful and useful guide for any academic who wants to harness the tools of social media to enhance the impact of their work. I wish I'd read this ten years ago!”Henry Chesbrough, Professor at UC Berkeley and Luiss University."Charite CCGH / WHO hub for pandemic and epidemic intelligence "I will return to Social Media for Research Impact and read it again and again. It offers a clear and thoughtful synthesis of how social media can serve as a powerful tool to disseminate knowledge in academia. I only wish I had encountered it earlier in my career.”Nermin Ghith, Research Fellow"This book reframes social media from a distraction into a vital tool for research dissemination, beautifully illustrating how to unlock the full potential of scholarly work. It is the playbook for innovating how we share knowledge and engage with stakeholders and communities, creating impact that extends far beyond the journal page."Yat Ming Ooi, Senior Lecturer University of Auckland“For scholars in non-English-speaking regions, this unique book offers a timely and balanced guide to communicating research beyond English-language journals. It shows how social media can help reach local communities, share insights in local languages, and create real societal impact despite ranking pressures.”Yuosre Badir, School of Management, Asian Institute of Technology“A much-needed guide for researchers who aim to reach a wider community and co-create value through social media.”Oumaima Elbouzidi, Cadi Ayyad University“In an era shaped by social media, AI, and constantly evolving digital platforms, the question is no longer whether scholars should engage publicly; it's how they can do so effectively and meaningfully. This book offers exactly that: a clear, practical roadmap for researchers who want to communicate their work, bridge the gap between science and the public, and build real impact beyond the academy. Essential reading for current and emerging scholars seeking a thoughtful, actionable blueprint for modern research communication.” Saud Alomairah, Postdoctoral Fellow, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health"Well-written, thoughtful, and genuinely inspiring, this book shows how social media, used with purpose, can deepen scholarship, spark collaboration, and make research matter outside the proverbial ivory tower. I found it both enlightening and encouraging and recommend it as a must-read for scholars trying to navigate the social media side of academia."Lise Justesen, Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School"This practical guide offers junior scholars strategic ways to use social media to share their research globally—even before they have accumulated major citations or titles. It also provides thoughtful advice on academic development, helping young researchers build a clear identity and confidence in making their ideas visible to the world.”Liang Mei, Research Associate, Peking University"At a time when societal relevance and open scholarship define academic excellence, this book offers a timely, evidence-based guide to using social media for meaningful research impact. Bogers and Young move beyond visibility and metrics to show how connection, dialogue, and co-creation can make research truly matter. It’s essential reading for researchers, research managers, and university leaders."Corné Schutte, Vice-dean of Research and Industry Liaison, Stellenbosch University“This is a vital resource for every doctoral student who wants to see their ideas move from papers to real impact and truly make their research change the world."Maximiliano Carlomagno, DBA Student, FGV EAESP"Open communication about research activities has become a critical issue for scholars in Japan. Let’s reconsider the use of social media through the lens of Purposeful Openness. This book offers practical insights for that effort and supports researchers in generating greater societal impact."Kunio Shirahada, Professor, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

• 1. Introduction 2. Background 3. Platforms 4. Profiles 5. Posts 6. Curation 7. Productivity 8. Challenges 9. Generosity 10. Strategy 11. Conclusion