We rely on the 'openness' concept to propose a conceptual framework to evaluate ex ante impact of research, and an analytical framework for refining it in future empirical research.
We propose that scientists attain legitimacy from three sources, and that this legitimacy help them to achieve societal impact.
We develop a typology of social sciences and humanities pathways to societal impact that captures the diversity of the mechanisms by which research on these fields lead to societal impact.