Good question, Sam! In that case the researcher needs to be the bridge between the envisioned opportunities and the realness of the problem. There are 2 options depending on how much the researchers master the context (business, tech, user, ops, etc) and how good they can discuss with the stakeholders:

1. Do the Research part to get first insights by asking the right questions (relevant to the envisioned opportunities). The researcher needs to be aware of not asking leading questions. Also, process the insights with minimal bias from the envisioned opportunities and find out whether the insights validate the envisioned opportunities or not.
2. Go directly to Synthesize or Execute by opportunities remapping or concept testing using the researcher’s existing knowledge about the context.