Global Research Impact Task Force
AACSB is reimagining the impact of business school research—rethinking how it creates value for academia, business, government, and society. Through collective dialogue and action, the Global Research Impact Task Force aims to transform the role of research in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
Approach and Activities
Throughout 2025, the task force has engaged in collaborative working sessions, stakeholder interviews, and discussion forums across the global business education community. To deepen this work, a global, multistakeholder survey was launched in June 2025 alongside focus groups and roundtables.
These insights, together with environmental scans and ongoing dialogue, will inform a white paper featuring:
- A shared definition of research impact
- Broadened approaches to measurement and evaluation
- Inclusive recognition and incentive structures
- Recommendations for dissemination practices that expand reach and usability
Key Milestones
- January 2025: Task force launched
- Feb–Mar 2025: Input received from boards, members, and key partners
- April 2025: Task force featured at AACSB’s ICAM; Research Impact Advisory Group session
- June 2025: Task force featured at Responsible Management Education Week; stakeholder Research Impact Survey launched
- Jun–Aug 2025: Global focus groups and stakeholder roundtables held
- August 2025: Survey analyzed and framework drafted
- September 2025: Input into AACSB Standards Refresh project
- October 2025: White paper and framework unveiled at AACSB Deans Conference
- Oct–Dec 2025: Paper refined based on member feedback
- Jan–Apr 2026: Framework implemented and integrated with AACSB Standards Refresh