An Introduction to European Public Scholarship. From Individual Stories to a Theory and Method of Academic Engagement

How can European scholars move beyond the traditional research-teaching-service matrix to become effective "problem-solvers" in today's society? As Europe faces unprecedented challenges, from democratic backsliding to climate change, from the war in Ukraine to questions about the future of European integration, a growing community of academics is pioneering new forms of engagement that bridge the gap between scholarly expertise and public need. European Public Scholarship brings together for the first time the personal stories and methodological innovations of leading social scientists who regularly engage "beyond academia", with policymakers, courts, media, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. This volume represents the first systematic attempt to inject self-reflection into this emerging practice by naming and analyzing what we call "public scholarship in the European space." As such it addresses urgent questions: How do scholars identify research questions apt for public engagement? What theoretical frameworks guide their work? How do they measure success? And crucially, how can this emerging approach be scaled and institutionalized across European higher education? At a time when scholars' public engagement is increasingly challenged as "scholactivism," this volume provides essential guidance for navigating the complex terrain between academic excellence and democratic service.