The British Columbia–Alberta Social Economy Research Alliance (BALTA) brings together scholars and practitioners to better understand the social economy and contribute to the development of a social economy research network in western Canada. This paper evaluates the dynamics of engaged scholarship within BALTA, examining internal (academic and practitioner research partnerships) and external (research process) aspects of the alliance. The authors present their findings, and in conclusion assert that funding agencies, universities, and community organizations must realize the value of engaged scholarship by collaborating to create reliable and equitable forms of support and engagement.

Heisler, K., Beckie, M., & Markey, S. (2012). Expectations and realities of engaged scholarship: Evaluating a social economy collaborative research partnership. Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship, 4(1), 25-36. Full Text.