Column | Professor Frans Feldberg With our excellent research and education, we create maximum impact

Within all departments, many scientists are engaged in interesting research that can help to solve social issues. From energy transition to sustainability and from mobility to housing market issues. We conduct research on all Sustainable Development Goals to assist in achieving these objectives. However, not every study automatically finds its way into practical implementation.

Necessary obstacles

Traditionally, universities focus heavily on conducting scientific research and providing education. The support to connect research results with the external environment is often less well developed. On this path of dissemination - for example towards the business community - researchers and lecturers often encounter obstacles. That is unfortunate because you are not maximising the use of valuable research that can help solve serious societal issues.

A question of give and take

With the arrival of the Impact & Income Board, SBE is now actively focusing on boosting valorisation in addition to education and research. In other words, creating impact. The intention is that every department is represented on the board. So that knowledge comes together, everyone knows what is going on, we can learn from each other and share best practices. The aim of the board is to increase the impact of our research and education by coordinating contacts with external relations, developing acquisition and customer relationship management strategies and removing barriers to creating impact. The development of reciprocal relationships with external parties - in which there is a long-term balance between what each party 'gives' and 'takes' - is central to this.

Collection of best practices By working together as a board, a better picture is created of the current projects, which contacts there are, what works and what does not work and which forces we can join. Valuable input to ensure the support of researchers and teachers as effectively as possible. This way they can do what they are good at and add maximum value. To put words into action, an Engagement Support Office (ESO) has been set up within SBE, where Robert Faber provides strategic support as Engagement Officer. The spider in the web is the Engagement Support Lead (vacancy) who tries to relieve researchers and teachers through operational support. An important point of reference is the creation and sharing of best practices; Individually, you no longer have to invent the wheel yourself. ESO works together with the Research Office and supports impact creation as a 'one stop shop'.

Companies are also knocking on the door Meanwhile, companies and governments are increasingly able to find us. They regularly ask us to think along about the challenges they face. Good examples are the province of Noord-Holland where we are widely involved in projects around data-driven innovation or ABN AMRO where we make an important contribution to their leadership programmes. Another example is the collaboration with Bosch Siemens Home Appliances. Through digital innovation, they see their business model completely changed. We are asked to think about how they can shape that change. My ideal image? That our research and education naturally finds its way into society and contributes to answering the major challenges facing society. That would be really great!