Maximizing the impact of your innovation research: a guide to writing a compelling discussion section

Introduction The Discussion section in an academic article holds significant importance, particularly within the context of innovation research. It is in this section that authors can move beyond the presentation of results and delve into the implications of their findings for the advancement of knowledge and practice in the field. A well-crafted Discussion section not only elucidates the meaning and relevance of the research findings but also connects them to the broader body of literature, highlighting the unique contributions of the study and paving the way for future research avenues. The proper structuring of the discussion is a fundamental element for the quality and acceptance of academic articles (Ferreira, 2013; Serra, 2017). This editorial comment aims to provide authors with practical guidance on how to effectively write a Discussion section that meets the standards of the International Journal of Innovation (IJI). To achieve this objective, we will first identify common pitfalls observed in Discussion sections. We will then draw on comments from experienced editors and established guidelines to offer concrete recommendations for improvement. Finally, we will present a structure for organizing the Discussion section to maximize its impact and contribution to the field of innovation research. Full text in pdf