Maintaining the Heterogeneity in the Organization of Software Engineering Research

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of maintaining diverse organizational models in software engineering research, emphasizing the need to preserve heterogeneity amid a trend towards funding-driven research dominance.

Contribution

It analyzes the current shift towards funded research in SE and advocates for preserving organizational heterogeneity to foster interdisciplinary growth.

Findings

Funded research model is becoming dominant in SE.

Heterogeneity in research organization supports interdisciplinary development.

Maintaining diversity is crucial for the future of SE research.

Abstract

The heterogeneity in the organization of software engineering (SE) research historically exists, i.e., funded research model and hands-on model, which makes software engineering become a thriving interdisciplinary field in the last 50 years. However, the funded research model is becoming dominant in SE research recently, indicating such heterogeneity has been seriously and systematically threatened. In this essay, we first explain why the heterogeneity is needed in the organization of SE research, then present the current trend of SE research nowadays, as well as the consequences and potential futures. The choice is at our hands, and we urge our community to seriously consider maintaining the heterogeneity in the organization of software engineering research.