Functions of the Educational Researcher at Present: Acting as an Entrepreneur and Knowledge Worker

Objective: Reflect on the actions of the entrepreneur and the actions of the knowledge worker as functions of the educational researcher according to the current historical epoch. Theoretical Framework: Both functions have as main support the theory 'Knowledge Society'. They are also implicit in the theories 'Post-industrial society' and 'Information society'. Method: The content of the work is part of the results of the qualitative research 'The educational researcher in the knowledge and information societies'. Based on the sources of consultation is theoretical, interpretative analysis, descriptive approach and oriented to the professional practices of the educational researcher. Results and Discussion: The main result revolves around the differences on the functions specified in the contract and employment appointment whose characteristic is that they are carried out within the contracting institution, in relation to acting as an entrepreneur and knowledge worker, which, in addition to being freely chosen, are developed by conviction, professional ethics and social commitment, without omitting that they develop outside the labor institution. Implications of the research: The professional practices of the educational researcher are not reduced or restricted to the functions specified in the contract and employment appointment. For this reason, acting as an entrepreneur and knowledge worker are functions that must, have and can be developed by the educational researcher and by other educational actors of the Mexican educational system. Regardless of the fact that few researchers carry out both functions, the results benefit the educational researcher, the formation of human capital, the labor institution and society. Most of the obstacles to developing them are found in the regulations of the administrative bureaucracy. Originality/Value: This work contributes to the literature on the educational researcher and aims to invite the educational and institutional authorities, educational actors and mainly the educational researcher to incorporate the functions as part of the professional practices that correspond to them because both are in accordance with the current historical era and the benefits and advantages they offer to society.